Nationwide — Benjamin Jackson, an African American man from Paterson, New Jersey, is suing a number of metropolis law enforcement officials for allegedly beating, sexually assaulting, and mocking him throughout a 2022 arrest. A federal choose dominated his lawsuit can transfer ahead on key claims.
Jackson, 35, filed the lawsuit in November 2024, accusing 4 undercover Paterson law enforcement officials of stopping him with out trigger as he stepped out of his SUV one night time in November 2022. In keeping with the Atlanta Black Star, the criticism acknowledged the officers claimed he appeared startled and touched his fanny pack suspiciously earlier than they determined to frisk him.
Jackson mentioned he objected to the search and repeatedly requested for a supervisor, however the officers ignored him. He instructed them he had stitches from latest mind surgical procedure and suffered from seizures, but one officer, Wisam Salameh, allegedly threw him to the bottom, punched and kicked him, and slammed his head on the pavement. The officers then handcuffed him and took his bag.
The criticism additionally states that whereas Jackson was handcuffed, Salameh grabbed his genitals and mentioned, “That’s totally free, bro, don’t even fear about it,” as the opposite officers laughed as a substitute of intervening.
Jackson mentioned they later mocked him within the patrol automobile when he suffered a seizure, accusing him of faking it. He was taken to the hospital, the place docs discovered an damage to his testicle that required surgical procedure and will result in infertility.
Police later reported that Jackson had resisted their search and that his fanny pack contained a loaded handgun. He was convicted of illegal firearm possession and sentenced to 42 months in jail earlier than being paroled in Might 2024.
In September 2025, Decide Jamel Okay. Semper dominated that Jackson’s claims of extreme drive, assault, and denial of medical care towards 4 officers may transfer ahead. Nevertheless, the choose dismissed different claims, together with emotional misery and racial discrimination, citing lack of proof.
Jackson’s lawsuit additionally accuses the Metropolis of Paterson of failing to coach and supervise its officers, saying the division fostered a sample of misconduct. Metropolis and police officers declined to remark, citing the continuing case.
