Johnny Moreno vs. Vanessa Doe et al

Case Background

On August 21, 2023, Plaintiff Johnny Moreno filed a Civil Rights violation lawsuit in the United States District Court, California Central, Western Division- Los Angeles(Case number: 2:23cv7084). This case was assigned to Judge Stephen V. Wilson and referred to Magistrate Judge Margo A. Rocconi

Cause

On August 18, 2022, Johnny Moreno, a 39-year-old resident of Los Angeles County, was taken into custody at the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department station at 150 N. Hudson Ave. Despite informing deputies about his spinal cord injury (L1 fracture) and his need for a wheelchair under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Moreno was told by Doe Defendants that no wheelchair was available. Instead, Deputy Vanessa Doe transported him in an office chair. She disregarded his warnings about safety risks and potential ADA and OSHA violations. During the booking process, Moreno was handcuffed and seated in the office chair. While in this position, Deputy Vanessa Doe conducted an inappropriate frisk. She sexually assaulted him by squeezing his genitals twice with malicious intent. Other deputies present failed to intervene or report the incident. After the assault, deputies placed Moreno in a cell without providing medical attention, despite his repeated requests for care. Over four d