Man Files False Arrest Lawsuit – Award: $305,000

Frank McClellan v. Rensselaer City Det. Sgt. Smith


A false arrest civil rights lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court after Frank was exonerated on the criminal charges.  Through 8 years of litigation and two appeals to the U.S Court of Appeals, Frank was resolute in refusing to accept any compromise.  A federal jury awarded Frank $170,000.00 in compensatory and punitive damages, plus attorney’s fees.

On October 16, 2000, 10 years to the day after his false arrest, a $305,000.00 settlement was reached.