A Brooklyn jury awarded a woman who was groped by a police officer when she was 17 a total of $915,000. The panel ruled that the city must pay $750,000, while former Officer Andrew Johnson—who purportedly barged into Ronessa Hollingsworth's residence, flashed a gun, and forced himself her—must pay $165,000.
The 2006 incident began when Johnson picked up Hollingsworth for truancy. He reportedly drove her to her family's apartment, returned hours later, pushed his way inside, and told the teen: "It's okay. You're 17 now. You're legal." The officer allegedly fled when Johnson spotted her mother's car outside the window.
According to the Post, Hollingsworth had filed suit against the city, Johnson, and his partner for $5 million. During the criminal case against him, Johnson pleaded guilty to official misconduct and was issued a conditional discharge, meaning he admitted guilt but could not be sentenced. His partner was never charged or disciplined. "In essence, the jury has told the Police Department, 'You must supervise and train these officers,'" said Seth Harris, the victim's lawyer.
