Houston Rapper Files Federal Lawsuit Against City of Houston and Police Officers for Wrongful Arrest and Imprisonment
September 13 2024 - 6:52PM
Business Wire
Today, Houston-based rapper Jeffery C. Archangel, known by his
stage name “Skyler Jones,” filed a federal lawsuit in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, accusing
the City of Houston and two police officers, David J. Crowder and
Alexander S. Vinogradov, of gross misconduct that led to his
wrongful arrest and imprisonment for over five years.
The lawsuit, filed by Archangel's legal team, Andino Reynal of
Reynal Law Firm, PC seeks justice for the severe impact the
wrongful arrest had on his life and career. Archangel was falsely
accused of two serious crimes in 2017—an aggravated robbery and a
capital murder—crimes that he did not commit. Despite maintaining
his innocence, Archangel spent 4 years behind bars before the
charges were dismissed in September 2022. The case from arrest to
dismissal took 5 1/2 years.
The lawsuit details several allegations of misconduct by Houston
Police Department officers, including falsifying evidence,
withholding exculpatory material, and mishandling the
investigation, which caused Archangel’s professional career as an
up-and-coming recording artist to be permanently derailed.
"Mr. Archangel’s future was destroyed due to these reckless
actions by the Houston Police Department. We will hold those
responsible accountable for the years he unjustly spent in jail,
and the life and career opportunities that were taken from him,"
said Reynal, Archangel's attorney.
The complaint further alleges systemic issues within the Houston
Police Department, such as a lack of proper training, poor
evidence-handling practices, and violations of constitutional
rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Archangel is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for his
wrongful imprisonment, loss of income, and mental anguish.
About Jeffery C. Archangel (Skyler Jones):
Jeffery Archangel is a Houston-born rapper who was on the verge
of signing a major recording contract when he was wrongfully
arrested in 2017. Known by his stage name “Skyler Jones,” Archangel
had been performing, recording, and building a promising music
career between New York and Houston before his wrongful
incarceration.
For more information about the lawsuit or to schedule an
interview with Mr. Archangel or his attorney, please contact:
F. Andino Reynal
O: 713.228.5900
areynal@frlaw.us
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F. Andino Reynal O: 713.228.5900 areynal@frlaw.us