At their February 2, 2016, meeting, the Champaign City Council will consider approving a settlement to a lawsuit filed in federal court by Kisica Seets against the City of Champaign and four police officers (Case No. 15-cv-2154). The proposed $70,000 settlement would release all claims against the City and the officers and dismiss the suit against three of the four officers. Judgment was entered by agreement without admission of liability by the City and one police officer.
In her lawsuit, Seets alleges that while she was being arrested on April 11, 2014, a Champaign police officer used excessive force against her and that other officers did not act to prevent such use of force.
“Both parties agreed to this disposition,” reports City Attorney Fred Stavins. “The City carefully considered all the facts related to this case, including the costs the City would incur to further defend itself against these allegations. Both sides saw the benefit of avoiding the additional expense of litigation by settling the case at this juncture.”
A copy of the City Council agenda item relative to the proposed settlement is available on the City’s website. Details about Seet’s arrest and lawsuit were included in information the City released publicly on December 10, 2015, in response to Freedom of Information Act requests.
Contact: Fred Stavins | 217-403-8765 | [email protected]