UPDATE: The Greeley City Council is set to vote tonight on a significant $295,000 settlement for Teneah Perez, a resident wrongfully jailed for five days due to a false accusation by Greeley police. This urgent decision comes after a harrowing incident on May 29, 2023, where Perez was mistakenly identified as the driver in a traffic crash.
In a complaint filed in Colorado District Court, Perez alleges that Officer Donovan Serafino wrongfully charged her with multiple offenses, including DUI and child abuse, despite her repeated assertions that her husband was behind the wheel. The incident occurred at the intersection of 12th Avenue and 8th Street in Greeley, with Perez and her children remaining at the scene while her husband fled.
The complaint reveals that after reviewing body camera footage, it was confirmed that Perez’s 6-year-old son never stated that she was driving. Furthermore, an email received by Serafino shortly after the crash indicated that Perez was not the driver, yet he failed to document this crucial evidence for over 15 months. As a result, all charges against her were dismissed, highlighting a serious breach of protocol.
Following an internal investigation, the Greeley Police Department found that Serafino had violated numerous departmental policies, leading to his termination. Public Information Officer Kristen Duus confirmed this development, emphasizing the department’s commitment to accountability.
The city has retained outside counsel to represent Serafino, who has advised the council to proceed with the settlement to resolve all claims Perez has against the city and the officer. If approved during tonight’s session, the settlement will be funded from the city’s claims reserve fund.
This case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for police accountability and the treatment of individuals within the justice system. The outcome of tonight’s vote will not only provide financial relief to Perez but also serve as a critical reminder of the need for oversight and transparency in law enforcement operations.
Stay tuned for updates as the Greeley City Council convenes to make this pivotal decision that could impact community trust and police practices in Greeley.
