Civil Rights Litigation

A Miami-Dade jury delivered a decisive verdict on March 24, 2025, finding Pedro M. Menichetti, Pablo A. Menichetti, and Meni Tech LLC liable for the wrongful taking of funds from Plaintiff Christian Angarita and Level One Construction LLC. The core of the dispute revolved around the Defendants’ actions, which the jury ultimately determined constituted Unjust Enrichment, Conversion, and the more serious charge of Civil Theft under Florida Statute § 772.11. The Defendants had maintained that the funds were merely an investment in a "verbal business agreement" and not stolen property. However, the jury rejected this defense, awarding $233,000.00 in compensatory damages for the direct financial loss. Crucially, the finding of Civil Theft resulted in a triple (treble) damage award of $699,000.00, bringing the total judgment against the Menichetti family and their company to $982,000.00. This verdict sends a strong message regarding the legal consequences of misappropriating business funds in Florida.

A federal civil rights lawsuit over the in-custody death of 35-year-old Cynthia Rizalla ended in a $900,000 settlement with Ventura County and several Sheriff’s deputies. Rizalla’s family alleged that she suffered fatal opiate withdrawal due to deliberate indifference and negligent medical care at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. The County and its deputies agreed to resolve all claims before trial, while the case against medical provider Wellpath, LLC, and a nurse remains pending following bankruptcy proceedings.

In a landmark corruption and civil rights case, DJCBP Corporation and its principal, David Ju, prevailed against the City of Baldwin Park after a years-long battle over alleged municipal corruption and retaliation. The Plaintiffs accused city officials of engaging in bribery and extortion schemes tied to development projects. When DJCBP refused to participate, they claimed the City retaliated by withholding payments and terminating contracts. A federal jury found the City liable for fraud and negligent supervision, awarding $1.89 million in damages. The verdict underscores accountability in municipal governance and reaffirms protections for those who challenge public corruption.