Written by: Sam Orlando
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — John Monroque, a 67-year-old resident of Palm Beach County, filed a federal lawsuit today against West Palm Beach Police Officer Nicholas Lordi, Officer Jamesloo Charles, the West Palm Beach Police Department, and the City of West Palm Beach, claiming excessive force, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and gross negligence. The complaint demands damages exceeding $75,000 and a jury trial.
The Confrontation
The lawsuit alleges that on November 1, 2019, Monroque was subject to a use of force that exceeded constitutional bounds. Officer Lordi is accused of grabbing Monroque from behind, forcefully throwing him against a parked police cruiser, and subsequently punching him multiple times in the head. The physical confrontation led to significant injuries to Monroque, according to the complaint.
The Officers’ Roles
Alongside allegations against Officer Lordi for excessive force and battery, the lawsuit claims that Officer Charles failed to intervene during the episode. His alleged inaction is being scrutinized as a violation of department protocols, which places him under legal scrutiny for failing to prevent the alleged excessive use of force.
Legal Counts
Monroque's suit details seven counts against the involved parties:
Excessive Force Claim Against Nicholas Lordi (42 U.S.C. §1983 Fourth Amendment)
Failure to Intervene Claim Against Jamesloo Charles (42 U.S.C. §1983 Fourth Amendment)
Battery Claim Against Nicholas Lordi
Battery Claim Against the Police Department and the City (Respondeat Superior)
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress Against Nicholas Lordi
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress Against the Police Department and the City
Grossly Negligent Supervision and Retention Against the Police Department and the City
Demands for Relief
Kelley | Uustal, representing Monroque, seeks various forms of relief including:
Compensatory damages under all counts
Punitive damages against Officer Lordi, Officer Charles, the Police Department, and the City under specific counts
Costs of suit
Attorney fees
Additional relief as deemed just and appropriate by the court
A Troubling Background
Further deepening concerns is the revealed internal affairs history of Officer Lordi, involving 40 investigations and multiple disciplinary actions. This raises questions about systemic issues within the Police Department and the city’s oversight mechanisms.
The Unaddressed Evidence
According to the suit, five civilian witnesses to the incident were not interviewed, and available video evidence was neither collected nor reported, raising further questions about the department's internal investigation processes.
As of this reporting, none of the parties involved have issued public statements regarding the ongoing legal matter.
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