Stanislaus County Settles Malicious Prosecution Suit for $22.5 Million
In a landmark settlement, Stanislaus County has agreed to pay $22.5 million to resolve a malicious prosecution lawsuit that has drawn widespread attention. This settlement comes six years after a jury acquitted Frank Carson, a Modesto defense attorney, and several co-defendants of murder conspiracy charges. It marks one of the largest settlements of its kind in California’s legal history.
Background of the Case
The case revolved around Frank Carson, a well-known Modesto defense lawyer recognized for his combative approach toward law enforcement. In August 2015, following a lengthy investigation, the county’s district attorney accused Carson of orchestrating a plot to kill a scrap-metal thief, Korey Kauffman, in retaliation for thefts from his property.
In addition to Carson, eight other individuals were charged, including local liquor store owners, members of the California Highway Patrol, and family members. However, no physical evidence linked these defendants to Kauffman’s death, whose remains were discovered in the Stanislaus National Forest months after he disappeared. A notorious figure plagued by addiction, Kauffman’s demise raised questions but lacked solid evidence tying the defendants to the crime.
The Prosecution’s Missteps
The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Robert Woody, a handyman with a troubled past, who initially claimed he had killed Kauffman. However, his account varied significantly, often leading investigators in circles. Under pressure from detectives, Woody recanted his confession, stating he fabricated the story to impress a girlfriend. Despite his retractions, prosecutors based their case largely on his inconsistent testimonies.
The trial, which lasted nearly two years and was one of the longest murder trials in California history, ended with the acquittal of Carson and the liquor store owners in June 2019. Charges against the remaining defendants were eventually dropped or dismissed.
Settlement Details
County supervisors reached an agreement on the settlement just before the scheduled trial of the federal case, where the plaintiffs alleged wrongful charges due to fabricated evidence. The $22.5 million settlement will be shared among eight plaintiffs, including three former CHP officers and the liquor store owners. Georgia DeFilippo, Carson’s widow, is expected to receive a portion of this settlement, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll the prosecution took on her family.
Consequences and Reflections
Following the victory in their lawsuit, DeFilippo called for accountability within the county’s district attorney’s office, expressing a desire for criminal charges against those involved in the prosecution of her husband. In reflecting on her husband’s legacy, she stated, “I’ll never get over the fact that that could be done, and they were able to walk away from it without any real consequences.” DeFilippo contends that the legal actions taken against her family were meant to coerce her husband into pleading guilty to a crime he did not commit.
Legal Implications
Legal experts commented on the significant nature of the settlement, viewing it as a cautionary tale regarding the moral and legal responsibilities of law enforcement. Matt Murphy, a former prosecutor who acted as an expert witness, noted that the history between Carson and the district attorney’s office should have precluded the prosecution. He commented that “no reasonable jury would ever have convicted these defendants.”
The settlement amount suggests the county recognized the potential for a much larger verdict had the case proceeded to trial, highlighting the risks associated with the prosecution’s reliance on dubious evidence and testimony.
Conclusion
The $22.5 million settlement reflects not only the serious ramifications for those wrongfully accused but also a broader commentary on the integrity of the judicial system. As Stanislaus County looks to move past this contentious chapter, officials express a commitment to refocusing on current public safety priorities while acknowledging the turbulence of the cases that have unfolded over recent years.