UPDATE: The Greeley City Council is set to vote tonight on a $295,000 settlement for resident Teneah Perez, who was wrongfully jailed for five days following a false accusation by a police officer. This vote, scheduled for tonight, comes after a troubling incident involving Officer Donovan Serafino on May 29, 2023.
The settlement addresses claims made by Perez regarding significant emotional and financial damages resulting from her wrongful arrest. After a traffic crash in which her husband fled the scene with their children, Perez was falsely accused of driving under the influence, facing multiple serious charges including vehicular assault and child abuse.
The Greeley Police Department’s internal review revealed that Serafino violated numerous departmental policies, including the mishandling of evidence and failure to provide complete and truthful reports. This evidence, including footage from Serafino’s body camera, ultimately cleared Perez, as it showed her young son never indicated she was driving.
The complaint filed by Perez’s attorney, Richard Wiener, details how Serafino ignored vital information that would have exonerated her. An email received the day after the crash, stating that Perez was not the driver, was concealed for 15 months before being discovered, leading to the dismissal of all charges against her.
Now, the city has opted to settle in order to resolve all claims against both the city and Serafino, who has since been fired from the Greeley Police Department, according to Public Information Officer Kristen Duus. The council’s decision to approve the settlement will be made during tonight’s meeting, with funding sourced from the city’s claims reserve fund.
This case highlights serious concerns regarding police accountability and the impact of wrongful arrests on individuals and families. As the city council prepares to vote, the community watches closely, awaiting a resolution to this troubling incident.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Greeley City Council convenes.
