UPDATE: The Greeley City Council is set to vote tonight on a shocking $295,000 settlement for Teneah Perez, who wrongfully spent five days in jail due to false accusations made by Greeley police. This urgent decision follows a troubling incident from May 29, 2023, when Perez was wrongfully charged after a traffic crash that she did not cause.
The council’s meeting occurs at 6:30 PM MT, where they will address the settlement that aims to resolve all claims stemming from the wrongful arrest. Perez’s ordeal began when Officer Donovan Serafino misidentified her as the driver of a Jeep involved in the crash, despite her and her son’s insistence that her husband was behind the wheel.
According to the complaint filed in Colorado District Court, Serafino falsely reported on his police radio that “the kid just told me that she was driving,” leading to severe legal repercussions for Perez. She faced multiple charges, including three counts of DUI and five counts of child abuse, based solely on this miscommunication.
The situation escalated when Serafino failed to document an email from an eyewitness, received the day after the incident, who confirmed Perez was not driving. This critical piece of evidence remained concealed for over 15 months until it was eventually discovered, prompting the dismissal of all charges against her.
An internal investigation by the Greeley Police Department revealed that Serafino violated numerous department policies, including those related to evidence preservation and truthful reporting. Following the investigation, he was terminated from the Greeley Police Department, as confirmed by Public Information Officer Kristen Duus.
The recommendation to settle was made by the city’s outside counsel, aiming to mitigate further legal expenses and conclude the matter efficiently. If approved, the settlement will draw from the city’s claims reserve fund, allowing Perez to seek compensation for her loss of wages, confinement, and legal fees.
This vote is not just a financial decision; it holds significant implications for accountability within the Greeley Police Department and addresses the serious impact on Perez’s life. The Greeley community is urged to pay close attention to this developing situation, as the outcome could influence police practices and community trust.
As the council prepares for this critical vote, residents are left wondering how this incident will shape the future of law enforcement in their city. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent matter.
