Man Awarded $1.4M Settlement in Lawsuit Against 2 Detectives

The 33-year-old was charged and convicted in the 2008 shooting death of Alberto Rodriguez

A Springfield, Massachusetts man who sued two police detectives after he was convicted of murder, imprisoned and later acquitted has won a $1.4 million settlement from the city. 

The Republican reports that municipal documents show the settlement approved by city councilors Monday is the largest in Springfield's history. Plaintiff Charles Wilhite wasn't immediately available for comment Monday. 

The 33-year-old was charged and convicted in the 2008 shooting death of Alberto Rodriguez. A second jury acquitted Wilhite in 2013 and he was released from prison after more than three years behind bars. 

Wilhite filed a federal complaint in 2014, alleging that officers Anthony Pioggia and Steven Tatro threatened and coerced witnesses against him in the first trial. 

Defense lawyers had argued the detectives believed their investigation was solid. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us