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Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.
Navigating Injustice: My Personal Odyssey Through Disability and Police Misconduct.

Update: In previous blogs, I expressed my concerns for myself and other brain injury survivors regarding issues of jurisdictional corruption and police misconduct. After exhausting all other avenues in seeking assistance for police wrongdoing, I reached out to Congressman Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut's Fourth District. However, he has declined to intervene in the battle for disabled individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.
My name is Craig Sears. I am a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor who is fighting back against the lies told by the police. This fight has been a crucial part of my journey as a TBI survivor. I have faced discrimination from the medical community. I have also encountered misunderstandings from the public. It has led to repeated placements in institutions and false arrests.
I am committed to promoting awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ensuring that the legal system is held accountable. I will not allow myself to be victimized again by stigma, ignorance, or deceitful tactics from law enforcement. I am standing my ground and will not back down.
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I want to share my personal experience of being wrongfully accused multiple times. I was manipulated and framed by the police. Detective Jeffrey A. Holtz, badge 40462, from the Bridgeport, CT Police Department, orchestrated this injustice against me. It all began with the uncovering of a misrepresented vehicle and snowballed into a fabricated narrative. These events initiated a troubling investigation.
I am speaking out about being caught in a system that is supposed to protect us. The court concealed police misconduct from the public, and I am determined to demand accountability. I will reveal the names involved, including Judge McShane, who played a part in covering up this case.
On that note, if someone's having a problem with the court. Due to police misconduct, when searching for their names, they may come across this information and can use it. To show the corruption of the police and the court. Should additional evidence be needed in a court setting, I am prepared to support this with further documentation or testimony.
If my direct criticism of law enforcement's dishonesty is too much for you, then you're missing the point—just as they have. They exploited my name and my life, and now I will expose them. My statements are rooted in facts; I demonstrated in a court of law on three separate occasions that their claims were false, and law enforcement and the jurisdictional system buried the truth. And allowing this nonsense to be used against me again or someone else in the future. I will not accept that.
I intend to expose the deceitful behavior of Holtz and the Bridgeport, CT, Police Department, bringing attention to the corruption and cover-ups taking place at 172 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut Superior Court, GA 2. A fair and just society can't exist when abuses of power stay unchecked.
In detailing my story, it is crucial to understand the concept of malicious intent. It is where individuals intentionally cause harm. They do so while flouting the very law they are sworn to uphold. The Bridgeport Police Department’s actions severely undermined the integrity of our legal system. Their actions highlight the profound unfairness faced by innocent people like me.
My case is a prime example. It began with a bogus traffic stop involving fabricated evidence. The evidence included a stock photo of a car without a visible license plate. There was a nonexistent victim. Additionally, the made-up story audio recordings presented as evidence were outdated, edited, and taken out of context. The entire situation was a total fabrication. It involved false claims and orchestrated arrests. All these elements indicated a concerted effort to frame me.
Officer Holtz not only approved reports but also created documents intended to harm my reputation. These actions sowed embarrassment and distress. They led to my wrongful arrest and prosecution. Even more disturbingly, Holtz's first investigation revealed my disability, which seemingly triggered bias against me.
I turned myself in after discovering there was an arrest order against me. I learned about the charges only after retrieving a copy of the order from the court. I was bewildered by the absurdity of the accusations, particularly as Detective Jeffrey A. Holtz's fabricated story unraveled. I was not in Bridgeport when the incident happened, emphasizing that Detective Holtz deliberately targeted me. Faced with overwhelming evidence of my innocence, I became determined to clear my name. I sought justice not just for myself but for all those wronged by the organization. I had documentation, therapy receipts, and witness testimonies supporting my case—all of which were met with indifference by the authorities.
Navigating the judicial system is often a challenging and exhausting experience for many people. Prosecutors push for plea deals to avoid trial, creating extra hurdles for individuals with non-visible disabilities like mine. I refused to accept any plea arrangement for a crime I did not commit, despite relentless pressures.
I have a history of advocacy. I participated in the Connecticut acquired brain injury (ABI) class action case. This case ultimately led to the state implementing the ABI waiver for individuals like me. Sharing my story through this well-documented program has empowered me. It has allowed me to help fellow survivors. It ensures they know they are not alone.
Today, I stand firm in my commitment to justice. Some members of the government show biases and a lack of understanding. These actions only worsen the struggles faced by those who are vulnerable. It is time to confront these injustices head-on. We must strive for a justice system that protects and serves all citizens.
A Personal Journey Through Police Misconduct.
I recently found myself in a legal battle. This battle has left me questioning the integrity of the police and the justice system. Through persistent determination and a quest for transparency, I uncovered a network of contradictions and falsehoods related to my case.
To navigate my situation, I ensured I had access to my case files, including the state discovery evidence. I filed motions that permitted me to communicate directly about my case, an opportunity I fully utilized. After reviewing the evidence with my attorney, we found several inconsistencies. The photo presented as evidence in the case was not mine. Additionally, the audio recordings appeared to be suspiciously altered. It soon became clear that the primary witness, Detective Holtz, was constructing a narrative rather than sharing the truth.
I requested a full copy of my case file. It included a photograph of the car. Holtz had used this car to frame me. The audio evidence also made its way into my possession, and the findings were striking—clear signs of manipulation. Despite the documentation of fabricated evidence, the court seemed unwilling to acknowledge the significant inconsistencies.
In our investigation, we identified the exact vehicle Holtz used in the setup—one that bore no resemblance to my own. Yet the court continued to pursue the matter, disregarding the overwhelming evidence of forgery. I persisted in submitting motions, demanding a thorough investigation into the questionable recordings.
The incidents surrounding my arrest occurred on November 8, 9, and 10, as stated in the arrest order. Yet, I have irrefutable proof. On December 20, I was on the opposite side of town. I was far removed from the location of the alleged events. The arrest order reflected a different suspect description, further emphasizing the orchestrated nature of the situation.
A month after the supposed offenses, I surrendered to the authorities. I posted bond without ever engaging with Detective Holtz. I also never spoke to other officers about the case. The so-called interview recording of a witness, Ramos, illustrates blatant police misconduct and manipulation of evidence. Detective Holtz's arrest order, along with his actions, clearly shows his intent to mislead.
The chronology and details presented in the recordings raise significant doubts about their authenticity. Holtz's testimony contradicts several reports. This includes the claim that my vehicle’s license plate was found miles away from the alleged crime scene. These discrepancies suggest an elaborate setup, fueled by a narrative crafted solely by Detective Holtz, devoid of third-party verification.
Listening to the recordings with different software revealed further anomalies, indicating they had been altered. The absence of any mention of criminal activity in the supposed December 21 interview is particularly telling. This lack of mention leads one to deduce the recording was carefully produced to mislead.
Moreover, the modifications include instances where Holtz is the sole voice discussing my alleged vehicle and its details. It contradicts multiple case reports. It becomes clear that the credibility of this recording is compromised, heavily influenced by Holtz’s perspective.
Various statements made during the recording highlight the ongoing discrepancies. In the audio, a notable claim involves a father who cannot give a photograph of the vehicle. This, again, contradicts the report. It is despite driving a Mustang. The suspect’s vehicle bore a New York license plate. This detail went unexamined.
This entire case underscores the troubling issue of police misconduct beyond just falsifying reports and evidence. The internal affairs and the Police Commissioners Board have consistently overlooked these serious allegations.
Fabricating reports and misplacing my license plate number is not only unethical, but it is also wrong. It is also a breach of trust. It is disheartening to see such dishonesty in the legal system, which is supposed to uphold justice. The investigations have confirmed my claims; unfortunately, the truth is often overlooked.
Uncovering Police Misconduct and Legal System Failures in Bridgeport.
In a troubling turn of events, I became involved in a case. This case has exposed significant flaws within the Bridgeport Police Department. It has also revealed issues within the broader judicial system.
The situation escalated when I submitted my court appearance filing. I requested an investigation into the case. It turned out to be fabricated against me. The individuals involved, including the alleged father, Mr. Ramos, were found to have no connection to the claims made against me. Mr. Ramos lives in a completely different location. He is unaware of the alleged offense. He does not recognize the woman Holtz identified as his wife. He also does not recognize the young lady identified as his daughter.
The evidence I gathered reveals that my case was a hoax. It was a setup. It has transformed lives. It has also raised serious questions about the integrity of the police. It also raised questions about the legal system. The misinformation spread during the court proceedings has had lasting repercussions. All parties involved have been affected. I attempted to protect the privacy of those wrongfully implicated.
This situation begs the question: How often have the same unfounded insults and allegations been directed at others? The Bridgeport Police Department and its Detective Bureau have a troubling history. They accuse vulnerable individuals with dubious evidence. It includes relying on phony victim witnesses and manipulated recordings.
I provided the court, police internal affairs, and the commissioner’s board with recordings and reports. These aimed to shed light on these issues. Yet, my requests for a thorough investigation were denied. It feels like the framework meant to uphold justice is concealing misconduct.
For example. The whole case was a fabrication. No connection existed between the individuals mentioned and the fictitious details provided. These fictitious details included the girl’s name, age, school, and Catherine Street location. In other words, no information was found on her using that name, address, or school location.
When you know something is a lie, stand your ground. I told the court through my attorney. You get the victim and the witness here. Then you can talk to me. I would like to see the names, ages, and addresses of the individuals. Needless to say,
In the US, the federal penal statute that largely handles the offense of false submission in hoaxes is 18 U.S. Statute Section 1038—False Information and Hoaxes.
After each court hearing, attorney Peter Stark clarified what had been said. Following that, I would assemble the necessary information to show them that they were incorrect, demonstrate that the officer was lying, and then file a motion. This goes without saying.
After over three years of cops' lies and court bias, Judge McShane eventually scheduled a trial for me. This occurred following three and a half years of discrimination and numerous pretrial hearings. During these hearings, the prosecution railroaded me. In any case, the defense and child advocate were the first to speak. It’s not surprising that the child advocate was unable to locate the purported victim or witnesses. This case was also a nolle. (Ruled and signed by a Superior Court Judge.) In layman’s terms, the legal system’s intentional concealment of police misconduct.
For instance, I had the same paperwork they had. I was able to locate the supposed witnesses.
Penal Code 118.1 PC is the statute that makes it a crime for police officers to knowingly make a false statement when filing a report regarding a crime.
Case in point: The Nolle legislation is intended to give prosecutors the discretion to drop charges against a defendant. They can do this when they believe it is in the best interest of justice. Nonetheless, some law enforcement agencies use this legislation as a loophole. They protect officers who have committed perjury. This practice undermines the integrity of the justice system.
Repeated Misconduct by Bridgeport Police Department: A Personal Account.
A troubling series of events echoes past injustices. I find myself once again embroiled in a case. This case is brought against me by the Bridgeport Police Department Detective Bureau. The circumstances surrounding my current legal issues are akin to those of earlier allegations. This raises serious concerns about the validity of the evidence being used against me.
All three cases share alarming similarities. The same recordings are purportedly from a victim and a witness. They have been used to build a narrative. This narrative is both misleading and damaging. I recognized a tactic that seemed all too familiar, having encountered it before from the same detective bureau. This time, I was represented by Thomas J. Paoletta, the same public defender who had represented me in my earlier case. Unfortunately, history seemed to repeat itself. He pressured me into accepting a plea deal unrelated to the facts. He even sent me for a 54-56 exam to question my competency.
When I attended the examination, I took a witness along, just as I had earlier done. Yet, much like the first instance, Paoletta expressed frustration. The judge declined to offer me a program because I insisted on maintaining my innocence. He suggested another 54-56 exam, but I firmly rejected that proposal.
In my quest for justice, I contacted Paoletta's supervisor at the state public defender's office. I wanted to voice my concerns about his reluctance to acknowledge my witness’s account. This account supported my claim of being elsewhere during the incidents in question. I have recorded evidence to substantiate my whereabouts. After this intervention, Paoletta withdrew from my case, and once again, Peter R. Stark was assigned as my attorney. Stark encountered similar difficulties as his predecessor in finding the alleged victim or witness, which led to a nolle prosequi.
I must commend Stark for his dedication to my case. He thoroughly investigated the testimonies of my witnesses. He also equipped me with the knowledge I needed to make informed decisions. This empowerment has been invaluable in my ongoing fight for truth and accountability since my injury.
Interestingly, this is not the first time the Bridgeport Police Department has pursued these baseless claims against me. Years ago, I hired private attorney Kevin Black from Bayer & Black, P.C., and encountered a similar situation. Black hesitated to show my staff's claims in court. I insisted that I had not been in Bridgeport during the alleged incidents. After my first court appearance, the judge shockingly elevated the accusations from third to first degree. It aligned with the falsehoods and malicious intent presented against me.
Despite paying Black $2,000 to take on my case, he later sent me an email dramatically increasing his fees. He insisted this financial burden was necessary for continued representation, a familiar tactic that mirrored my current experience. I expressed my concerns to his business partner. I filed a complaint with the Board of Attorneys. Black unexpectedly appeared at my next court hearing, leading to the closure of the case.
This time around. In a disturbing turn of events, Black ultimately withdrew from my case. He cited my impairment as the justification for his actions. This incident marks the third time I have faced similar charges from the Bridgeport Police Department. It further underscores the troubling pattern of misconduct.
The Americans with Disabilities Act aims to protect my rights. However, I find myself questioning its effectiveness during these challenging times. Additionally, the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees protection against double jeopardy in criminal cases, seems to be ignored.
How many times will the Bridgeport Police Department exploit stale evidence? One can only wonder about their attempts against an innocent person. The need for accountability and reform within the framework is paramount. As I continue to advocate for myself, I am reminded of those who lack resources. They lack the necessary support to achieve the same outcome. It is a call to action. We must hear the voices of those unjustly accused. We need to tackle the systemic issues within our law enforcement. How many lives must be affected before meaningful change occurs?
My emotions were genuine during the experience. I knew it was nonsense from the start. Law enforcement and the state courts have unfairly treated me for a long time. The class action lawsuit about acquired brain injury (ABI) waivers highlights this treatment.
Living with an invisible disability makes it hard. I understand how this setup is designed to hold you back. I did not understand how the court could justify this. They have done it to me so many times in the past. I knew I needed to keep fighting. I must never give up. Still, I will not accept a plea for something I have nothing to do with.
I refused to let their lies stay unchallenged and remained committed to revealing their true nature.
The acquired brain injury (ABI) waiver class action lawsuit had a profound impact on my life. It also affected countless individuals who have experienced similar injustices. It shed light on the framework’s flaws and highlighted the urgent need for reform and accountability. We stand up and fight for justice. We seek redress for ourselves. We also advocate for a fairer and more just society for all.
I faced an uphill battle, but I remained steadfast. I faced possible dangers in my quest to expose their dishonest actions. I understood that confronting their lies would lead to retaliation or further mistreatment from those in power. Nevertheless, I was willing to face those risks. I stood up for what I wanted. I held them accountable for their deceitful actions.
By exposing the truth, I hoped to seek justice in my case. I also wanted to inspire others who have faced similar injustices. I encouraged them to come forth and share their stories. My ultimate goal was to spark a conversation about the framework’s flaws. I aimed to drive meaningful change for everyone who has been wronged.
Despite the toll it took on my well-being, seeking justice and exposing the truth became my driving forces. The sense of purpose and hope for a better future outweighed the emotional and mental hardships I faced. The toll it took on my well-being was significant. The constant stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil that came with seeking justice and exposing the truth were overwhelming at times. It affected my sleep, work, and mental health.
Knowing that people do not speak until they comprehend something is a fact. I ensured that I had the right individuals with me. They assisted me throughout the process.
I brought together my state program providers. I also included healthcare professionals, social workers, and caseworkers. We talked about the challenges we face as a brain injury community. Unfortunately, their responses are often dismissive and lack real support. I expected them to advocate for change, but that did not happen. It feels like no one truly cares about our struggles.
In a passionate statement, I affirmed my commitment to advocacy for the rights of brain injury survivors. My engagement involves local and national movements aimed at increasing awareness and advocating for justice for vulnerable populations.
Recently, I conveyed my concerns to various key figures in Washington, D.C., including staff members at the U.S. Senate, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Throughout these discussions, I have continually stressed the need for systemic change. It is imperative in light of my advocacy for the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation.
This case serves as a stark reminder of how states can exploit and discriminate against individuals like me. It raises an urgent question: When will we see an end to disability prejudice?
Moreover, it prompts us to consider the broader implications of wrongful convictions. How many innocent individuals have faced wrongful convictions? Have they been falsely implicated by local law enforcement agencies, like the Bridgeport Police Department and its Detective Bureau?
It was the third time the Bridgeport Police Department Detective Bureau filed the same case against me. The circumstances mirrored the earlier instances. All three cases have been handled under concurrent jurisdiction in geographical Area 2 in Bridgeport. They utilized the same detective bureau and legal representatives.
It is not rocket science. Detective Holtz used a generic stock photo of a car that he acquired off the Internet. He used two voiceovers with manipulated audio. He also created the accompanying bogus narrative, which involves witnesses and a fictitious victim, to frame me. It suggests that Holtz fabricated the evidence, unjustly accused me, implicated me, and unlawfully arrested me. The arrangement is a setup.
I am outlining my process for submitting a citizen's complaint against the police and the court. I started at the police station and then escalated the issue through the jurisdictional system and internal affairs. Ultimately, I brought my concerns to the commissioner's board. In addition to presenting my case in court, I also informed the town mayor's office about the full extent of the police misconduct, as well as many state and government agencies. However, at every level, they have declined to investigate my concerns. They have not addressed issues related to police brutality, civil rights violations, or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
After exhausting all available options, I reached out to Congressman Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut's 4th District. Unfortunately, he has also chosen not to intervene in the fight for disabled individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
Understanding Misconduct in Law Enforcement and Judicial Corruption: A Personal Perspective.
Addressing misconduct in law enforcement and corruption in the judicial system can often be disheartening. Many feel powerless. Protections against police misconduct can seem inadequate.
Our backgrounds shape how we approach and engage with these issues. A simple question, such as asking if someone is a veteran, can highlight the specific challenges that different communities face. While I am not a veteran, I empathize with those who have experienced trauma. I am especially empathetic towards former prisoners of war. This empathy highlights society's treatment of marginalized groups.
Historically, we can draw parallels to dark periods in the past. These include the Holocaust and the Aktion T4 program. Both targeted those deemed unworthy by the Nazi regime. These events remind us of the dangers of societal prejudice.
I have faced a cycle of institutionalization. This was due to false arrests and discrimination. These experiences echo the struggles of those in concentration camps. It is crucial to recognize and handle the abuse I have endured.
This cycle of injustice continues. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful. I am determined to advocate for a society that values understanding, equality, and justice.
We must recognize systemic issues together. The fight for justice is a collective responsibility. Let us unite and demand the changes we need.