PHILADELPHIA : $2.4 Million to Settle False Arrest Claims

Philadelphia has agreed to pay $2.4 million to settle 38 claims by falsely arrested people, attorney Alan Y. Yatvin, who represents 27 of the victims, said. Lawsuits by five other victims are still being pursued, and dozens more may still be filed. According to testimony by one convicted officer, a unit known as the “Five Squad” routinely robbed suspects, beat them bloody and stuffed drugs in their pockets. So far, 137 convictions have been reversed, and more cases are expected as investigations continue.