Board approves proposed $150,000 settlement in civil-rights suit alleging excessive force

The board approved a proposed $150,000 settlement in the civil-rights lawsuit filed by Vince Raul Lopez against Orange County, the board's counsel said during a closed‑session readout.

Counsel cited Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) and said the board met in closed session to consider three items on the agenda. With Chairman Wagner and Supervisors Chafee and Sarmiento voting "aye" and Supervisor Stone absent, counsel said, the board approved the proposed settlement for SCS 2.

"The board approved a proposed $150,000 settlement to the matter of Vince Raul Lopez versus Orange County et al.," the board's counsel said in the readout.

According to the readout, the complaint alleges Orange County sheriff's deputies detained Lopez without reasonable suspicion and used excessive force during a December 2020 traffic stop. Counsel said the settlement approved by the board remains subject to final approval by others, and that once finalized copies of the agreement will be made available through the office of CEO risk management to anyone who inquires.

Counsel reported the board took no other reportable action in closed session. The chair then adjourned the meeting at 11:35.