Cassandra Feuerstein’s settlement with the Village of Skokie totaled $875,000, resolving a federal civil rights lawsuit over a March 2013 incident in which a Skokie police officer shoved her face-first into a concrete bench inside a holding cell and shattered the bones in her face.1NBC Chicago. Skokie to Pay $875K in 2013 Excessive Force Settlement
What Happened in the Holding Cell
On March 10, 2013, Skokie police found Feuerstein, then 47, asleep behind the wheel of a car pulled over at the side of the road. They arrested her on suspicion of drunk driving and brought her to the station for booking.1NBC Chicago. Skokie to Pay $875K in 2013 Excessive Force Settlement During processing, Officer Michael Hart became irate when she refused to look at a specific camera lens.2ABC7 News. Woman Thrown Face First Into Concrete Slab Sues Cops
Station surveillance video showed a female officer searching Feuerstein, who briefly stepped out of the holding cell. Hart then shoved the 110-pound Feuerstein back into the cell, sending her face-first into a concrete bench that ran along the wall.3NBC Chicago. Video Captures Cops Alleged Excessive Force She collapsed to the floor and blood pooled beneath her before two other officers entered to render aid.4ABC News. Woman Thrown Face First Into Concrete Slab Sues Cops Hart’s report claimed Feuerstein had not been cooperating and charged her with resisting arrest; the video contradicted that account.
Her Injuries
The impact broke multiple bones in Feuerstein’s face. She underwent reconstructive surgery that included the implantation of a titanium cheekbone, and she was left with permanent dental and vision problems, according to her attorney Torreya Hamilton.5ABC30. Woman Thrown Face First Into Concrete Slab Sues Cops
How the $875,000 Was Paid
Feuerstein filed her federal lawsuit on October 9, 2013, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging excessive force, battery, police misconduct, and the filing of a false police report. The named defendants were the Village of Skokie, Officer Michael Hart, Sergeant Michael Healy (the on-duty supervisor), and Officer Mary Escobedo.6Chicago Tribune. Skokie Pays Out $875,000 in Police Excessive Force Case From 2013
The case resolved in two agreements in September 2015. The first, on September 16, required the three named officers to pay $625,000, with the Village of Skokie accepting financial responsibility for that portion. The second, on September 24, held the village accountable for an additional $250,000. The court order barred further litigation on the matter.6Chicago Tribune. Skokie Pays Out $875,000 in Police Excessive Force Case From 2013 The village paid without admitting wrongdoing or liability.1NBC Chicago. Skokie to Pay $875K in 2013 Excessive Force Settlement
The Criminal Case Against Officer Hart
Hart was placed on paid administrative leave after the video became public and was stripped of his police powers. In late October 2013, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office charged him with felony aggravated battery and official misconduct, and he was released on $75,000 bond.7NY Daily News. Illinois Cop Faces Felony Rap for Allegedly Tossing Woman Into Jail Cell He resigned from the Skokie Police Department on November 15, 2013, after 19 years, following notice that the village intended to fire him.8CBS News Chicago. Skokie Cop Accused of On-Duty Battery Resigns
On November 12, 2014, Hart pleaded guilty to official misconduct. Cook County Judge Matthew Coghlan sentenced him to two years of probation and $674 in fines. The aggravated battery charge was not pursued as part of the plea.9CBS News Chicago. Former Skokie Cop Gets Probation for Shoving Woman in Cell
The Other Officers Named
Sergeant Michael Healy, the supervisor on duty during the incident, retired in 2014 after 30 years with the department. Officer Mary Escobedo remained employed by Skokie police; Skokie Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge said Escobedo was not found responsible for any wrongdoing.6Chicago Tribune. Skokie Pays Out $875,000 in Police Excessive Force Case From 2013
How Her DUI Case Ended
Feuerstein pleaded guilty to DUI and was sentenced to one year of court supervision and roughly $1,600 in fines and court costs.6Chicago Tribune. Skokie Pays Out $875,000 in Police Excessive Force Case From 2013 The resisting arrest charge Hart had filed against her, along with additional traffic citations, were dropped by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.8CBS News Chicago. Skokie Cop Accused of On-Duty Battery Resigns