CITYOF �
SANJOSE
CAPITAL OF SILICON VALLEY
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: SETTLEMENT OF LAWSUIT
FILED BY JANUARY
VILLARREAL
RECOMMENDATION
4/28/2026 COUNCIL AGENDA:
FILE:
ITEM:
26-534
2.17 Memorandum
FROM: Susana Alcala Wood,
City Attorney
DATE: April 24, 2026
Approve the settlement of a lawsuit brought by Plaintiff January Villarreal in the total amount of $85,000 and authorize the City Attorney to execute a settlement agreement.
OUTCOME
Settlement of the lawsuit brought by Plaintiff January Villarreal in the amount of $85,000. Each side will bear its own costs and attorney fees.
BACKGROUND
This lawsuit arises from an allegation that a former San Jose police officer used excessive force and sexually assaulted plaintiff in the back seat of his patrol vehicle after an arrest. The settlement will resolve all of Plaintiff's claims for damages, including any future damages.
ANALYSIS
This is a negotiated settlement between the parties to avoid the risks inherent in litigation. The City will pay plaintiff the total sum of $85,000 in full satisfaction and settlement of all claims, and plaintiff will dismiss her entire lawsuit with prejudice. The proposed agreement will conclude the litigation without further cost, expense, or risk of loss to the City and City employees. The parties will bear their own respective attorneys' fees and litigation costs.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST
This memorandum and the Settlement Agreement have been posted on the City's website for the April 28, 2026, agenda.
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