Henry Berry vs. Michael Zerella

Case Background

On August 4, 2022, Plaintiff Henry Berry filed a Police misconduct lawsuit in the Connecticut State, Superior Court of Bridgeport Division (Case number: FBT-CV22-5049301-S). Judge Mark Gould presided over the case.

Cause

On June 12, 2019, police arrested Henry Berry, a resident of Bridgeport, Connecticut, at the Pequot Library at 720 Pequot Avenue in Southport, Connecticut. Fairfield Police Officer Michael Zerella, employed by the Fairfield Police Department at 100 Reef Road, Fairfield, CT, was one of the arresting officers. After Berry was handcuffed, Zerella allegedly conducted a second search, reaching into Berry's right pocket again and moving it around his thigh, coming into contact with Berry's penis. This occurred while Berry was restrained and unable to protect himself. Later, at the Fairfield Police Department, Zerella allegedly took Berry's backpack out of the room where he was held and stole $50 before returning the backpack to Berry.

Injuries

Berry claims he suffered multiple injuries due to Zerella's actions. The unwanted physical contact during the arrest made Berry fear harmful or offensive contact. This led to emotional distress and feelings of vulnerability. The