A professional tax preparer from Queens is suing the New York City Police Department, alleging false arrest and malicious prosecution.
Plaintiff Ricardo Bentham filed a complaint against the City of New York and Police Officer Matthew Locasio following an incident on April 9, 2024, when he was arrested at his H&R Block franchise in Queens, resulting in public embarrassment and emotional distress. The arrest was reportedly based on accusations that he had damaged property within a house he co-owned. Bentham claims that evidence of his legal co-ownership negated any criminal wrongdoing. Despite this, Officer Locasio proceeded with the arrest without a warrant or probable cause. Bentham was detained for approximately 27 hours and required to make multiple court appearances before the charges were dismissed on July 19, 2024.
The complaint names Officer Locasio and three unidentified NYPD officers, referred to as John Does 1 through 3. Bentham alleges violations of his civil rights under federal and state laws and claims the conduct was racially motivated. He asserts that a similarly situated white property owner would not have received the same treatment and characterizes the incident as part of a broader pattern of discriminatory practices by the NYPD.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for false arrest, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, violation of equal protection rights, failure to intervene, supervisory liability for inadequate training and oversight, municipal liability against the City of New York, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Bentham also seeks attorneys’ fees and related costs.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Karl J. Ashanti of Musa-Obregon Law P.C. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 1:25-cv-03608.