by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, July 11 – The class action lawsuit against the City of New York for delayed release of those who paid bail - $3500 for each delay of more than three hours - was up for its fairness hearing on July 11. Inner City Press was there.
Along with lawyers for the plaintiffs and the City, objector Frederick L. Williams spoke. His letter of objection is in the docket, but entirely redacted.
Still Inner City Press heard his objection, and that of a woman in the courtroom gallery who said she had written in to object.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge John G. Koeltl offered to refer Williams to NYLAG, and then signed the order approving the settlement. Thread here
OK- now at fairness hearing in $143 million class action against NYC for delayed release on bail. Plaintiffs' counsel touts 43% return rate, with $3500 apiece. But a Mr Williams here to object.
Objector Frederick Williams says during his delayed release, he was assaulted and lost his eye.
Williams: I don't begrudge named plaintiff Jones getting $20,000. But $3500 doesn't cover my eye surgery. I should get the $20,000 too.Before this happened I was on the verge of the fashion and movie business. Now I have no eye. I can't do screenshots.
Judge: You can opt out. You don't get the $3500. You bring your own action. I can't reasonably give you the $20,000 service award
Judge: You can opt out right now. Six others have. [A man with toe tattoos and flip-flops just walked out of the courtroom]
Lady in audience speaks up to object, says she worked on Eric Adams campaign. Judge: You had to notify.
She: I did.
Judge: The settlement is fair and adequate, the largest Section 1983 settlement in the last 10 years. Only possibly two class members objected. I approve it all. [Woman who cited Eric Adams, etc, is still complaining. Another man has his head in his hands]
Judge signs order, says attorneys fees to be awarded later, adjourns it.
The case is Jones, et al., v. The City of New York, 17-cv-7577 (Koeltl)
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