A Brookfield woman has settled her excessive force lawsuit against the Township of Brookfield, its police department, and Officer Cody Dean. The settlement comes after a joint stipulation of dismissal was filed in the U.S. District Court. The stipulation confirms that Jennifer Miller and the defendants have reached an agreement, and a settlement check of an undisclosed amount has been requested. Should the check not be received, a motion to enforce the settlement could be refiled. Both parties will bear their own legal fees and costs.
The Lawsuit and Allegations of Excessive Force Against Dean
Miller filed the lawsuit in 2024, alleging that Officer Dean used excessive force during her booking process after being arrested for OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence) on or around November 8, 2023. Miller claimed that during the arrest, Officer Dean shoved her to the ground using a “martial arts style throw,” causing her to lose consciousness. According to the lawsuit, Miller was unarmed and not acting aggressively at the time.
Claims Against Brookfield Township
Miller’s lawsuit also accused Brookfield Township of failing to properly train and supervise its officers on arrest procedures and the appropriate use of force. She sought $1 million in damages and requested that the township be required to adopt policies aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Internal Investigation Clears Officer Dean
Brookfield Police Chief Aaron Kasiewicz responded to the lawsuit in July, stating that an internal investigation had cleared Officer Dean of any wrongdoing in the incident. Police officials acknowledged that Miller sustained injuries, but they emphasized that Officer Dean sought immediate medical treatment for her and insisted that there was no intentional harm. The police department attributed Miller’s fall to factors such as her intoxication, her resistance to entering her cell, her footwear, and the use of a one-handed pull-and-push maneuver to guide her inside.
Kasiewicz referred to the incident as a “terrible accident” and noted that changes had been made regarding prisoner handling procedures to prevent similar occurrences.
Court Records and Related Charges
In related court proceedings, Miller pleaded guilty to charges of having an open container and driving under the influence, stemming from the original arrest. She was sentenced to 10 days in jail for the charges.
Conclusion and Settlement Terms
The settlement agreement, which was reached after several months of litigation, requires both sides to cover their own legal expenses. If the settlement check is not received, the parties have agreed that a motion to enforce the settlement may be refiled in court.
We Can Help You Pursue Justice
If you or someone you know has experienced excessive force or misconduct by law enforcement, it is important to know that you have legal options. Contact Police Brutality Center today for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue the justice you deserve.
