Opinion ID: 46
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Post-Arrest Events

Text: Lieutenant Norman Peterson arrived on the scene after the arrests. He spoke with Ramos and Rivera, who told him what had occurred. Based on their information, he determined that Cameron and Higgenbottom were not eligible for summonses or desk appearance tickets, but would instead need full arrest processing. He spoke with Cameron, and found her to be coherent and calm and polite. J.A. 341. He then took Cameron to the stationhouse, and another officer brought Higgenbottom. Rivera also went to the stationhouse, where he completed the online booking process for Cameron and Higgenbottom. In his online arrest form, he charged Cameron with harrassment, N.Y. Penal Law § 240.26, disorderly conduct, id. § 240.20, and resisting arrest, id. § 205.30. He charged Higgenbottom with obstructing governmental administration, id. § 195.05, and disorderly conduct. Later that day, he met with ADA Elizabeth Brandon of the Bronx District Attorney's Office, who prepared a Criminal Court Complaint charging Cameron with those offenses as well as attempted assault in the third degree, N.Y. Penal Law §§ 110, 120.00. Based on Rivera's information, Brandon decided not to prosecute Higgenbottom because she did not think the State would be able to prove a case against her. According to Brandon, all of the information in the criminal complaint that was filed came from Rivera. Brandon's name appears nowhere on the complaint; rather, it says that PO ANGEL RIVERA ... states that ... THE DEFENDANT COMMITTED THE OFFENSES charged. J.A. 617. It is only signed by Rivera. The complaint states that any false statements made therein are punishable as misdemeanors. The complaint also states that Rivera was informed by PO RAMOS, CARMEN ... that, as a result of [Cameron's] actions, PO Ramos experienced annoyance and alarm and fear for her physical safety. Id. Ramos subsequently signed a supporting deposition stating that this information was true. The charges against Cameron were adjudicated in a bench trial prosecuted by then-ADA Irene Pangilinan. At the close of this criminal trial, the judge acquitted Cameron on all counts.