Ex-Aurora police chief sued after having her partner’s ex-girlfriend arrested
Denver, CO – Aurora’s former police chief Vanessa Wilson abused her position of power to have her lover’s ex-girlfriend arrested two years ago on charges that ultimately were dismissed.
According to a federal lawsuit filed by Kristin Nichols last month in the U.S. District Court for Colorado, Wilson “bragged about getting her current girlfriend’s ex arrested to other officers.”
The 85-page lawsuit details a very messy relationship rife with allegations of domestic abuse and child custody battles between Nichols and her ex-girlfriend, Robin Niceta.
Kristin Nichols was taken into custody in August 2021 following an incident involving Niceta, who was hospitalized after being hit in the head by an intruder. As Niceta was dating Vanessa Wilson, the Aurora chief of police was immediately contacted. Wilson had Nichols arrested on several charges, including domestic violence-criminal attempt, second-degree assault, second-degree burglary, and criminal mischief.
“She used her position as police chief of APD to influence the assistant district attorney to expedite the arrest of Nichols,” the complaint alleges.
The charges were later dismissed as there was no proof against Nichols. The whole case was based on the victim saying she recognized Nichols voice and the testimony of their 5-year-old daughter.
The lawsuit also names a former Aurora police detective, the city of Aurora, and various Adams County officials. For instance, Aurora police detective, Nathaniel Moss, did not inform the court in Nichols’ arrest affidavit that the witness who gave him the information was 5.
Apparently, Wilson and Niceta lived under the impression that they owned the city. After a councilwoman dared to criticize the chief of police on a radio talk show, Niceta, a former Arapahoe County caseworker, made an unfounded child sexual abuse report against the councilwoman. Last month, Niceta was ordered to pay the councilwoman $3 million in damages and she is to stand trial later this year.
Aurora City Manager Jim Twombly fired Wilson in April 2022, saying he had concerns about her leadership and that the department needed “refocused attention.”
What constitutes abuse of power by the police?
Abuse of power by the police can take many different forms, but it generally refers to situations where officers use their authority in ways that exceed the boundaries of their duties or violate the rights of citizens. Some common examples of police abuse of power include:
Excessive use of force
This can include physical violence, such as using a taser, pepper spray, or baton, when it is not necessary or when it is used in a way that is disproportionate to the situation. If you are involved in such an incident, try to stay calm and do not provoke an escalation. Get the officers’ names and badges, talk to eyewitnesses, and contact a Denver police brutality lawyer right away.
Racial profiling
This is when police officers target individuals for questioning or investigation based on their race or ethnicity, rather than on any specific evidence of wrongdoing.
Unlawful searches and seizures
This is when police officers search a person’s property or person without a warrant or probable cause. Unlawful searches and seizures are a violation of your constitutional rights and seasoned Colorado police brutality lawyers can help you sue those responsible. Evidence against you collected during such searches may be declared inadmissible.
False arrests
This is when police officers detain a person without a valid reason or without following proper procedures, such as failing to read the person their Miranda rights.
Intimidation or harassment
This is when police officers use their power to intimidate or harass individuals, including by threatening them or using derogatory language.
If you were a victim of any type of police misconduct, you should contact an experienced civil rights lawyer at the Bryan & Terrill law firm to see if you have a case.
Contact info:
333 W. Hampden Ave., #420B
Englewood, CO 80110
(720) 923-2333
