ORLANDO, Fla. — A woman won her lawsuit Thursday against an Orlando police officer who pushed her down stairs, but she only got $4,600; she had been seeking at least $15,000. Meanwhile, WFTV found out this isn't the only lawsuit Officer Fernando Trinidad is involved in.
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WFTV found court documents that show Trinidad is being sued again by another woman (see that lawsuit).
The victim in Thursday's case was disappointed with the jury's decision. Jessica Asprilla told me she was grateful Trinidad was found liable for one of claims against her, but with a jury releasing Trinidad of the false arrest, malicious prosecution and excessive force claims, it only felt like a partial victory.
Even after a federal jury found Trinidad liable for the battery of Jessica Asprilla, the officer still refused to talk about the April 2007 incident.
"Officer Trinidad, do you think you did anything wrong?" WFTV reporter Mel Holt asked him after the trial ended. "You can talk to us. The case is over."
Ultimately, the only thing he offered up was a "no comment."
Trinidad was captured on video at the former Club Paris in downtown Orlando ejecting Asprilla from the nightclub. Asprillia accused Trindad of pushing her down the stairs, Trinidad claimed Asprilla spat on him twice, before pulling away and tumbling down the steps.
"It makes me feel like you can't trust police, you can't trust the city, you can't trust the court system," Asprilla told WFTV after the trial ended.
She was awarded just over $4,600, primarily to cover medical expenses, but the jury didn't believe Trinidad made a false arrest, maliciously prosecuted Asprilla, or even used excessive force. Orlando police handled the incident with an 8-hour suspension for Trinidad.
"I hoped finally consequences would be imposed. And it didn't happen. I throw my arms up," Asprilla's attorney, Andrea Armas, said.
Armas doesn't foresee an appeal, but WFTV learned Thursday that Trinidad may be back in court soon. He's one of four officers mentioned in another federal lawsuit (see that lawsuit) filed by a woman who claims she was battered by Trinidad in May 2007 after police responded to a disturbance call at her home.
The case is pending, which will mean more questions for Trinidad before this case is a memory.
WFTV did ask Trinidad if he planned to pay Asprilla her $4,600. He didn't answer that either. Asprilla's attorney told WFTV they could always garnish his wages.
Previous Stories: January 11, 2011: Police Dept. Released From Suit Against Cop January 11, 2011: Trial Starts Against Cop Who Pushed Woman Down Stairs
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