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 decision follows a troubling incident on May 29, 2023, when Perez was mistakenly charged after a traffic crash.
In a shocking turn of events, Officer Donovan Serafino accused Perez of driving, despite her claims and those of her 6-year-old son that her husband was behind the wheel. The police report reveals that Serafino falsely broadcasted on the police radio that the child had implicated Perez.
The allegations against her included three counts of DUI, vehicular assault, and multiple counts of child abuse, among others. After reviewing body camera footage, it became clear that the child never stated Perez was driving, leading to the eventual dismissal of all charges against her.
The investigation into Serafino’s actions uncovered that he received an email just one day after the incident from a witness asserting Perez was not driving. Alarmingly, he failed to document this crucial evidence for over 15 months, a significant violation of departmental protocols.
Following these revelations, the Greeley Police Department conducted an internal investigation, resulting in Serafino’s termination. Public Information Officer Kristen Duus confirmed the officer’s dismissal, emphasizing the serious nature of his violations.
In light of these findings, the city has decided to settle the claims made by Perez, which includes compensation for lost wages, confinement, and legal expenses. Authorities report that outside legal counsel advised the city to approve this settlement to resolve all claims against Serafino and the city itself.
If approved tonight, the settlement will be drawn from the city’s claims reserve fund, allowing Perez to finally seek justice and closure after a traumatic experience. The Council’s decision is vital for restoring faith in the local law enforcement system and addressing the repercussions of wrongful arrests.
Stay tuned for updates as the vote unfolds, and watch for the outcome that could significantly impact Greeley’s community relations and police accountability.
