ORLANDO, Fla. — 9 Investigates discovered that Orlando taxpayers could be on the hook for an unlimited payout over an Orlando police officer’s 2014 excessive force case.
Channel 9’s Kathi Belich found out it’s partly because of the Orlando Police Department’s track record with force involving suspects.
In most cases, there would be a $200,000 cap.
But in the case of Officer Peter Delio, who is accused of kneeing a handcuffed suspect so forcefully, the man's spleen ruptured, it’s a civil rights claim against the city, which costs more money.
The suspect, Robert Liese, had to have his spleen removed.
Video showed Liese allegedly being kicked by Delio repeatedly, and then crying for help while in a holding cell.
The lawsuit alleged that at least 11 handcuffed people were intentionally struck by officers since 2001.
The department instituted a policy forbidding it last year.
Liese has faced tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, which keep mounting because of his increased risk of infection.
He’s also had difficulty finding work.
“Even in this conservative, pro-law enforcement community, if this plaintiff proves the facts alleged, you can expect a significant jury award,” said WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer.
Delio was suspended and then later fired after 9 Investigates exposed that Liese begged for medical help more than 20 times before paramedics arrived.
In 2012, the city had to pay Dan Daley $880,000 after a jury found Officer Travis Lamont violated Daley’s civil rights by breaking his neck during a trespassing arrest.
Sheaffer said the jury could award Liese more than Daley got.
The city has not said if it will settle the lawsuit.
The case goes to trial in federal court in April.
Delio was charged with felony battery and his criminal trial is set for July.
Cox Media Group
