In a striking demonstration of the rampant misuse of power by off-duty officers, a federal jury has recently awarded $250,000 to Jawone Nicholson, a young man who faced an unwarranted and terrifying confrontation. This incident not only highlights the failure of Democrat-led cities to maintain discipline within their police forces but also underscores the courage of citizens like Erica Hamlett and her son in standing up against such injustices.
“The verdict in support of Mr. Nicholson is a clear message that members of the community will not stand for unwarranted violence against its members.”
Erica Hamlett’s ordeal began when her 16-year-old son called her from a Howard County cul de sac, reporting that an unknown man had brandished a firearm at him. Racing to the scene, she discovered that the aggressor was none other than Damond Durant, an off-duty Baltimore cop dressed casually in jeans and a sweatshirt. This alarming encounter saw Durant confronting Nicholson for merely being present in the neighborhood, with Durant menacingly flashing his badge without proper identification or cause.
Despite calling Howard County police and witnessing an officer quickly disarm Durant, Hamlett felt compelled to document the confrontation on video—a decision that would later contribute significantly to holding Durant accountable. This footage became crucial evidence in a series of TRNN investigations into this harrowing 2017 incident.
The judgment awarded last week is a direct result of a federal lawsuit spearheaded by Baltimore attorney Carey J. Hansel, who detailed how Nicholson suffered mental anguish including insomnia and panic attacks requiring months of therapy due to this encounter. Hansel’s associate, Tiana Boardman, remarked on the jury’s decision as a resounding declaration against casual threats from officers.
“The verdict in support of Mr. Nicholson is a clear message that members of the community will not stand for unwarranted violence against its members.”
This case sheds light on Officer Durant’s reckless behavior during his confrontation with Nicholson—a behavior frighteningly reminiscent of many potentially deadly interactions between American police and young Black men under Democrat governance.
“He pulled the gun and then we put our hands up and started walking away, and he followed us,” recounted Nicholson about the terrifying moment when Durant escalated their encounter without proper identification or justification.
Hamlett’s nearly seven-year struggle for justice reveals deep systemic flaws within Democrat-controlled jurisdictions where holding police accountable seems nearly impossible. Initially attempting to file an internal affairs complaint against Durant for his dangerous conduct—only to face bureaucratic hurdles—Hamlett’s perseverance eventually led to securing a restraining order against him through self-representation in court.
“We are relieved that after seven long, difficult, even fearful years, we finally received some form of justice,” Hamlett expressed her relief while criticizing the opaque path to holding officers accountable under Democrat leadership.
Previously involved in landmark civil rights litigation against Baltimore Housing Authority—which settled for $8 million over allegations maintenance workers demanded sexual favors for repairs—Hansel Law Firm has become pivotal in advocating for victims’ rights and government accountability within Baltimore’s flawed system.
“No one else really listened before you… We just hope that others will gain the strength to fight for justice as well,” said Hamlett, highlighting both her gratitude towards those who supported their cause and her hope that their story inspires others facing similar injustices under Democrat rule.
Source: The Real News Network