Verdict In Jefferson Tap Civil Case Faults 4 Officers For Brawl

CHICAGO (STMW) -- A federal civil jury found four off-duty Chicago police officers had committed batteries and assaults in connection with a videotaped brawl at the Jefferson Tap in 2006 — but in a mixed verdict, the jury rejected other claims, including against two other officers and against the City of Chicago.

"It feels great. It feels great to clear our names." said plaintiff Aaron Gilfand, who brought the civil lawsuit along with three others who all say they were beaten up. "We got a chance to tell the truth when no one would let us."

Matt Hurd, an attorney for the city, said the city was cleared by the verdict.

"The city is found not responsible for this action," Hurd said. "Earlier in the week, five on-duty police officers were found by the judge to be not responsible for this action." Civil claims against those officers were dismissed by U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber earlier this week.

The jury found a total of more than $30,000 in compensatory and punitive damages against four officers.

Gilfand said it was never about the money.

"We're all successful businessmen, we don't need the money," he said.

"We proved that these officers committed batteries, assaults and excessive force, which is what we set out to do six years ago," said plaintiffs' attorney Amanda Antholt.

In 2009, a Cook County judge cleared the officers of criminal charges in a 30-page ruling.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)