A landmark class action lawsuit has been filed, bringing to light serious allegations of police misconduct and systemic corruption within the New York City Police Department. The complaint, lodged by Levar Riley on November 26, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, accuses the City of New York and former NYPD officer Jerry Bowens of fabricating evidence and violating due process rights.
Levar Riley, represented by attorney Rudy Velez, is leading a class action suit against the City of New York and ex-police officer Jerry Bowens. Filed on behalf of all those similarly situated, this case alleges that Bowens engaged in a pattern of illegal conduct that resulted in wrongful convictions. According to the complaint, Bowens was involved in fabricating evidence, committing perjury, and making arrests without probable cause during his tenure with Brooklyn's narcotics division. These actions allegedly led to numerous unjust imprisonments and violations of constitutional rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.
The lawsuit highlights that Bowens' misconduct was not an isolated incident but part of a broader culture within the NYPD that prioritized arrest quotas over justice. This systemic issue reportedly affected hundreds of individuals whose convictions were later vacated upon review by the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. The complaint cites a September 7, 2022 press release from the DA's office vowing to hold officers accountable for undermining public trust through deceitful practices.
Riley's own experience serves as a representative case for this class action. Arrested in 2001 based on fabricated charges by Bowens, Riley was coerced into pleading guilty to avoid a lengthy prison sentence despite his innocence. His conviction was ultimately overturned in 2022 after it was revealed that Bowens had falsified police records and lied under oath. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Riley and others who suffered similar fates due to Bowens' actions.
In addition to monetary compensation, the plaintiffs are demanding systemic changes within the NYPD to prevent future abuses of power. They argue that the City's failure to address known patterns of misconduct effectively sanctioned these unconstitutional practices. The suit also calls for legal fees and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Riley and potentially hundreds more victims is attorney Rudy Velez from his Bronx-based law firm. The case is presided over by Judge Weinstein under Case ID 1:25-cv-06616.
Source: 125cv06616_Riley_v_City_of_New_York_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf