About 120 people file claims against Strike Force

Published 9:12 am Thursday, December 30, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS — A plaintiffs’ lawyer says about 120 people have filed claims in a $3 million settlement of a federal lawsuit involving a now-disbanded Minneapolis gang unit.

Attorney Randy Hopper says Thursday is the deadline to file a claim.

The August settlement was for a lawsuit against the Metro Gang Strike Force. The lawsuit claimed the strike forces’ police officers abused their authority by extorting cash and property, particularly from people of vulnerable immigration status.

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The settlement allows people to file claims if they had property taken without notification or a receipt.

One plaintiff says strike force officers took his wallet and returned it with $100 missing.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press quotes the strike forces’ attorney as saying in August the civil settlement was not an admission of guilt.