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A Black man who sued the city of Valdosta last year after a police officer violently slammed him to the ground in a case of mistaken identity has accepted a settlement offer, according to reports.
Last week, the Valdosta City Council approved an offer of $350,000, however, attorneys for Antonio Arnelo Smith — who filed a civil rights lawsuit for excessive force in 2020 — wouldn’t reveal the amount of money the man agreed to, simply saying the victim was “satisfied.”
“We have reached a resolution, but we can’t discuss the actual settlement amount,” said Nathaniel Haugabrook, who represented Smith in the yearlong case.
Smith had initially sought compensation and punitive damages in the amount of $700,000. As part of the settlement, the city will establish a citizens review board within 120 days to oversee police policies, procedures and make recommendations for changes.
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