UPDATE: The Greeley City Council is set to vote tonight on a significant $295,000 settlement for Teneah Perez, who wrongfully spent five days in jail due to a false accusation by Greeley police. This urgent meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening and comes after an extensive review of the incident that occurred on May 29, 2023.
The wrongful arrest stemmed from Officer Donovan Serafino’s erroneous claim that Perez was driving during a traffic crash. Legal documents reveal that Perez was a passenger when her husband fled the scene, leaving her and her two children to face police scrutiny. Despite repeatedly stating that her husband was the driver, Serafino falsely reported on his police radio, “The kid just told me that she was driving.”
This shocking misrepresentation led to multiple charges against Perez, including three counts of DUI and five counts of child abuse. However, a review of body camera footage contradicted the officer’s claims, showing that Perez’s 6-year-old son had never said she was behind the wheel.
The situation worsened when Serafino received an email the day after the crash from a witness asserting that Perez was not driving. Astonishingly, he failed to document this crucial information for over 15 months, which delayed justice for Perez until the email was finally discovered, leading to the dismissal of all charges against her.
The Greeley Police Department conducted an internal investigation, which found Serafino had violated numerous departmental policies, including those regarding evidence preservation and truthful reporting. As a result of these findings, Serafino was terminated from his position, as confirmed by Greeley Public Information Officer Kristen Duus.
The city, having retained outside counsel to represent Serafino, is now considering the settlement to resolve all claims from Perez against both the city and the former officer. If approved, this settlement will be paid from the city’s claims reserve fund, effectively ending the legal battle precipitated by this wrongful arrest.
Tonight’s vote is crucial not only for Perez but also for the community, emphasizing accountability in law enforcement practices. As residents await the council’s decision, the implications of this case continue to resonate, highlighting the importance of truth and transparency within the police force.
Stay tuned for more developments as the Greeley City Council convenes tonight. This settlement could set a precedent for similar cases across the nation, reinforcing the need for police accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights.
