Standing Up Against Police Misconduct a Call for Justice and Awareness

By Craig Sears

As a survivor of traumatic brain injury TBI, my experiences have driven me to stand firmly against police misconduct. I also stand against bigotry and misinformation. I am motivated to advocate for justice with each challenge. This drive is not just for myself but for all individuals. These individuals have experienced the deep injustices embedded within our legal system.

Police dishonesty, false statements, and racial profiling erode the integrity of our criminal justice system. These issues perpetuate systemic injustices that affect countless lives. Despite the stigma surrounding TBI—which often leads to misunderstanding and discrimination—my commitment to fighting for justice remains unwavering.

Many people are unaware of the profound impact of TBI. This ignorance often complicates survivors’ efforts to navigate daily life. It also affects their pursuit of justice. The bias faced by TBI survivors can make our experiences invalid and impede our access to justice. It is crucial to dismantle societal stigma. This change will guarantee that those of us with neurological differences are treated with dignity and respect.

Ignoring the voices of TBI survivors marginalizes us further. It also allows injustices and systemic biases to persist unchallenged. Society contributes to maintaining a legal system that dismisses our experiences. This ultimately denies us the justice and support we deserve.

To foster a fairer society, we must collectively tackle the stigma surrounding TBI. We acknowledge and amplify the voices of TBI survivors. This creates an environment where our needs are recognized. Our experiences are validated within the criminal justice system. This shift can help dismantle existing biases and promote exclusivity for all individuals.

I am committed to being an advocate for justice with no pause or retreat. My identity as a TBI survivor fuels my passion to raise awareness and amplify the voices of my fellow survivors. We must hold law enforcement accountable to make sure that everyone—regardless of their disabilities—receives equal treatment.

Let us strive for a future where no one is marginalized. The strength and resilience of TBI survivors can inspire us all toward a more just society. Together, we can make sure that the voices of those who have been silenced are finally heard. We will make sure that justice is served.

A Call for Justice: A Survivor’s Plea for Accountability in Law Enforcement.

On March 22, 2025, I found myself compelled to speak out at Congressman Jim Himes’s meeting in Norwalk, CT. As a brain injury survivor, I have experienced the devastating effects of law enforcement’s pervasive dishonesty. It is essential to shine a light on this critical issue. Our justice system falters when it lacks transparency, eroding the trust and integrity that should be its foundation. This dishonesty not only results in unjust outcomes but also further victimizes those who are already vulnerable.

Update Congressman Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut's 4th District, has declined to intervene in the struggle for disabled people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. CS

My name is Craig Sears. I am sharing my personal experience of being wrongfully accused. I was framed by the police. Detective Jeffrey Holtz of the Bridgeport, CT Police Department orchestrated this injustice against me. It all started with the revelation of a misrepresented vehicle. A fictional narrative also emerged. Together, these events set in motion a troubling investigation.

My goal is to expose Holtz and the Bridgeport Police Department’s dishonest activities. I aim to hold them accountable. I also want to prevent others from enduring the same harm and inequity. 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. This 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 myself.

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, there was a made-up story. Even the audio recordings presented as evidence were old, edited, and 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 signed off on reports but also crafted documents intended to damage 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 upon discovering an arrest order issued against me. Only after retrieving a copy of the order from the court did I learn about the charges. I was bewildered by the absurdities of the accusations, which were unveiled as Holtz’s false narrative began to unravel. I was miles away from Bridgeport at the time of the alleged incident. Yet, it was clear I had been deliberately targeted.

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.

As many know, navigating the judicial system is a grueling ordeal. Prosecutors often 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 in 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 in government show biases and ignorance. 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 truly 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 relentless effort and a demand for transparency, I unearthed a web of inconsistencies and fabrication involving my case.

To navigate my situation, I ensured that I had access to my case files, including the state’s 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, I was confronted with mounting discrepancies. A photo presented as evidence of a car involved 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 the photograph of the car. Holtz had used this car in an obvious effort 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, Rimo, illustrates blatant police misconduct and manipulation of evidence. Holtz’s arrest order, coupled with his actions, demonstrates a clear intent to mislead.

The chronology and details presented in the recordings raise significant doubts about their authenticity. Holtz’s testimony contradicts several reports. Those include 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. This 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. One notable claim is from a supposed father who was incapable of providing a photograph of the vehicle. This 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 division and the Police Commissioners Board have consistently overlooked these serious allegations.

The act of fabricating reports and misplacing my license plate number is not just wrongful. It is also a breach of trust. It’s disheartening to witness such deceit in the legal system that is meant to uphold justice. The investigations conducted have verified my claims; the unfortunate reality is that the truth is too often ignored.

Uncovering Police Misconduct and Legal System Failures in Bridgeport.

In a disturbing turn of events, I found myself embroiled 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 ordeal began when I filed a court appearance. I requested an investigation into the case, which 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 resides at a different location entirely. He does not know the supposed offense. He also does not know the woman claiming to be his wife. Or the young woman described 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? It seems the Bridgeport Police Department and its Detective Bureau have a troubling history. They accuse vulnerable individuals with dubious evidence. This includes relying on phony victim witnesses and manipulated recordings.

I provided the court, police internal affairs, and the police commissioner’s board with recordings and reports. These were aimed at shedding light on these issues. Yet, my requests for a thorough investigation were denied. It feels like the framework meant to uphold justice is actually concealing misconduct. This concealment enables a cycle of abuse and power mismanagement.

Detective Holtz shows an obvious abuse of authority. His lack of accountability highlights the urgent need for oversight. It is essential to guarantee that police departments operate within ethical and legal boundaries. Are there policies in place to prevent the use of fake witnesses or the involvement of children as alleged victims? The internal findings suggest a disturbing pattern. Authorities often refuse to investigate allegations of police perjury and citizen complaints. This leads me to believe that such tactics are institutionalized.

Alarmingly, this is not an isolated case. The Bridgeport Police Department has faced multiple investigations into corruption and misconduct over the years. Reports show that at least 17 officers were facing disciplinary action. They lied on official documents. This behavior sheds light on a culture of dishonesty that needs immediate attention.

The implications of a nolle prosequi—a formal notice that a case will not be prosecuted—are troubling. This designation obscures the truth, allowing misleading narratives to persist, ultimately placing innocent individuals at risk of being targeted again.

Throughout this experience, I have grappled with the perception of my mental health, particularly after my brain injury. The prejudices surrounding those with disabilities only add to the challenges I face. Detective Holtz has propagated lies. These lies further muddle the truth. They allow law enforcement to justify their actions. These actions obscure their legal breaches.

I participated in a government program for individuals with disabilities. This has given me a platform to share my experiences. It also allows me to advocate for accountability. I think about my journey. I invite my community to hold the network accountable. We must make sure that no one else endures the same injustices I faced. It’s time for transparency. The truth needs to emerge. Wrongful acts must be addressed within the Bridgeport legal 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 like 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 appointed in my earlier case. Unfortunately, history seemed to repeat itself. He attempted to pressure me into accepting a plea deal unrelated to the facts at hand. He even sent me for a 54-56 exam intended 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. This led him to suggest another 54-56 exam, a proposal I firmly rejected.

In my quest for justice, I reached out to Paoletta’s superior 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 appointed as my public defender. Regrettably, Stark, like his predecessor, struggled to locate the so-called victim or witness, ultimately leading to a nolle case.

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 have not been in Bridgeport during the alleged incidents. After my first court appearance, the judge shockingly elevated the accusations from third to first degree. This 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 also filed a complaint with the Board of Attorneys. Black unexpectedly appeared at my next court hearing. This led 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 the Bridgeport Police Department has subjected me to similar charges. It further underscores the troubling pattern of misconduct.

The Americans with Disabilities Act is expected to safeguard my rights. Despite this, I have found myself questioning its efficacy during these trying times. The Fifth Amendment, which guarantees protection against double jeopardy in criminal cases, seems to have been overlooked in my situation.

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 do not have the support to do the same. This 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. For far too long, law enforcement and the state courts treated me unfairly. Referenced in the acquired brain injury (ABI) waiver class action lawsuit.

Living with an invisible disability makes it hard. I know how this setup is designed to keep you down and not move you ahead. I couldn’t see how they justified screwing me over this time. They’ve done it to me so many times in the past. I knew I needed to keep fighting. I must never give up. Still, I won’t accept a plea for something I have nothing to do with.

Despite my frustration and injustice, I remained committed to seeking justice and exposing the truth. 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. There were potential risks in my determination to shed light on their deceitful actions. I knew that challenging their lies came with potential consequences, like 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 larger 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 was overwhelming at times. It affected my sleep, work, and mental health. Still, I knew that enduring these hardships was necessary to fight for what I believed in and make a difference.

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 my state program providers, healthcare workers, and social workers with me. I also brought caseworkers with me. They experience firsthand what someone like me goes through. Whenever you ask them about it, all they say is patronizing backtalk and non-intrusive nonsense. I always wished they would speak up, but they never did. In other words, no one gives a damn.

Closing statement. Rather than going into great detail, I will simply state a few things about this bias.

In a passionate statement, I emphasized my dedication to advocacy work focused on the rights of brain injury survivors. My involvement spans both local and national movements, aimed at raising awareness and fighting for justice for this vulnerable population.

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. This is particularly important 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 myself. 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?

As I continue my work, I stay committed to shining a light on these crucial issues. I advocate for justice and fairness for all