Bronx detective breaks silence on misconduct accusations

<p>A Bronx detective is breaking his silence following accusations of police misconduct.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 17, 2017, 9:59 PM

Updated 2,351 days ago

Share:

A Bronx detective is breaking his silence following accusations of police misconduct.
Detective David Terrell has been linked to high-profile cases like that of Pedro Hernandez, who spent more than a year in jail for a 2015 shooting. In September, the DA dismissed an indictment against the Bronx teen because of conflicting witnesses.
In his 11 years at the 42nd Precinct, Terrrell has made over 1,000 arrests, some of which have come under fire. Terrell says he stands by them. But he says he was not the arresting officer in the Pedro Hernandez case.
Attorney John Scolia represents several plaintiffs, including the Cotto family, who have filed civil lawsuits against Terrell and the NYPD.
"The lawsuit alleges a variety of things, including sexual harassment, police brutality, false arrest and forcing witnesses to lie," Scolia says.
The Civil Complaint Review Board, a city agency that deals with public complaints against police officers, cleared the detective of two charges.
"They cleared him in two allegations in Cotto lawsuit," Terrell's lawyer Eric Sanders says. "He didn't arrest Angelo Cotto and didn't make any complaints against his mother. He wasn't at work."
Terrell has been stripped of his badge and gun for more than a year. The NYPD tells News 12 he is on modified duty as a result of an unrelated administrative matter. The DA's office says it is investigating Terrell, but won't say what for. Terrell says he thinks he is being made a scapegoat.
"The department didn't step up and stand up for me saying I had nothing to do with this," Terrell says. "The Bronx DA's Office worked hand-in-hand with these cases, they know the situation and they said nothing about it. Instead they say we are going to investigate me."
Terrell has filed a lawsuit against the City of New York and the NYPD for $175 million and is calling on the federal government to get involved in his case. 


More from News 12
1:56
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:51
Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx