Board approves proposed $150,000 settlement in civil-rights case over 2020 traffic stop

The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a proposed $150,000 settlement in the civil-rights case Vince Raul Lopez v. Orange County et al., the board's counsel reported after the panel returned to open session.

"The board approved a proposed $150,000 settlement for the matter of Vince Raul Lopez versus Orange County et al.," the board's counsel said, adding that Chairman Wagner and Supervisors Chafee and Sarmiento voted aye and Supervisor Stone was absent.

Counsel summarized the allegations underlying the case, saying the plaintiff contends Orange County Sheriff's Department deputies detained him without reasonable suspicion and used excessive force during a December 2020 traffic stop. Counsel also said the settlement "remains subject to the final approval of others." When the agreement is finalized, copies will be made available through the office of CEO risk management to anyone who inquires, counsel added.

The counsel opened the readout by citing the legal basis for the closed-session discussion, stating the board met pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), which governs closed-session discussions of pending litigation. The counsel further reported the board took no other reportable action in closed session.

The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.; the board did not take any additional public actions at the session recorded in this transcript.