Title
Resolution to Authorize Settlement of DeVincent McFarlin v Officer Pechtel, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Case No. 26-cv-11988
Staff
Prepared by: Jennifer Richards, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Atleen Kaur, City Attorney
Body
Whereas, In June of 2026, Plaintiff DeVincent McFarlin filed a lawsuit against one of the City's police officers alleging a constitutional violation during a traffic stop on March 29, 2025;
Whereas, The City denied the allegations in the complaint;
Whereas, to avoid the time and expense of litigation, Plaintiff and the City now desire to settle and resolve Plaintiff's claims without an admission of liability on the part of any party, wherein the City will pay $2,000.00 to Plaintiff in exchange for a full and final settlement agreement signed by Plaintiff and the City, a release of all claims against the City and its employees, and dismissal of Plaintiff's claims against the officer with prejudice; and
Whereas, The City Attorney's Office has advised City Council on this matter in attorney-client privileged and confidential legal advice memorandum;
RESOLVED, That City Council authorizes the City Attorney to fully resolve the case entitled DeVincent McFarlin v Officer Pechtel, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Case No. 26-cv-11988 for a payment of $2,000.00 from the City to Plaintiff contingent on the receipt of a full and final settlement agreement signed by Plaintiff and the City, release of all claims against the City and its employees, and entry of dismissal of Plaintiff's claims against the officer with prejudice by the Court, all of which shall be subject to City Attorney approval as to form and substance; and
RESOLVED, That payment for this lawsuit shall come from the FY27 Police Department General Fund budget; and
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, Clerk, City Administrator and City Attorney are authorized to take actions to implement this resolut...
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