Plaintiffs v Strike Force
Victims Who Seek Strike Force Seized Property Will Be Told Of Suit
People who call a new telephone hot line seeking to recover cash and property that may have been improperly seized by the defunct Metro Gang Strike Force will get a letter telling them about a proposed class-action lawsuit and listing the name and phone number of a Minneapolis attorney who is suing the Strike Force.
That's the agreement worked out by the attorney, Randy Hopper, and lawyers for the Strike Force's insurance company, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. A U.S. magistrate had urged the two sides to reach a deal.
An inquiry conducted by Andy Luger and authorized by state Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion found that some Strike Force officers made improper seizures, confirming a report issued in May by state Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles. His report said a considerable amount of property, including cars, was wrongfully forfeited to the Strike Force.
Luger recommended that a special master be appointed to review the seizures and forfeitures and return property and cash to rightful owners. Campion agreed with that approach, but he later concluded he lacked legal authority to do so. He and the advisory board of the Strike Force then agreed to support the insurer's plan for the hotline.
Under the deal, people who call the hot line will get a letter confirming that they'd called the hot line phone number -- 651-209-2673 -- and asking them to complete a form and return it. The letter also will inform them of the federal lawsuit against the Strike Force and others. It will say the lawsuit "includes property claims and claims for negligence and constitutional violations."
For those who want to write or call the firm about their rights as a member of the proposed class,the letter will include this contact information:
Randy Hopper
Zimmerman Reed
651 Nicollet Mall
Suite 501
Minneapolis MN 55402
(phone 612-341-0400)
