Sinapi Law Associates, Ltd., in collaboration with the ACLU Foundation of Rhode Island, has reached a $550,000 settlement in the civil rights lawsuit Mack Blackie v. The City of Woonsocket, et al., involving wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and police misconduct.
Our client, Mr. Mack Blackie, was arrested twice, criminally charged, incarcerated, and prosecuted for crimes he did not commit, including a felony. Mack spent a total of 31 days in prison — 31 days of his life that he will never get back.
This case serves as a stark reminder that our government continues to fall short of living up to the promises guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment and our Constitution — safeguards that are too often neglected in practice. We hope this outcome prompts serious reflection and reform in law enforcement practices to help prevent the continued pattern of wrongful arrests, charges, prosecutions, and convictions that too often plague our society and disproportionately affect marginalized individuals.
Until then, Sinapi Law remains committed to holding public officials accountable, vigorously defending the civil rights of our clients, and zealously fighting on our clients’ behalf towards Justice.
You can learn more about this case from the ACLU of Rhode Island news release and read the filed Complaint here.
Attorneys Joshua Xavier and Chloe Davis, both civil rights attorneys with Sinapi Law, led our representation of Mr. Blackie in this important case.
With a proven track record spanning over 40 years, Sinapi Law Associates, Ltd. is committed to protecting and vindicating the employment rights, civil rights, and liberties of workers and individuals. If you believe your rights have been violated, request a free case evaluation here or contact us at 401-739-9690.
