In a powerful affirmation of justice and human dignity, a federal jury in Baltimore has awarded $5.2 million to Baltimore Police Captain Henrietta Middleton — a verdict that stands as one of the most significant civil rights and police accountability judgments in Maryland in recent years. The Law Offices of Latoya A. Francis-Williams, LLC is proud to have represented Captain Middleton in this hard-fought battle for justice.
The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in 2020, centered on a shocking incident from August 2018 in which a fellow officer, then-Sergeant Marlon Koushall, physically assaulted Captain Middleton — and a broken system initially attempted to hold the victim accountable instead of the perpetrator. After years of perseverance, Captain Middleton’s voice was finally heard, and justice prevailed.
Case at a Glance
| Client | Captain Henrietta Middleton, Baltimore City Police Department |
| Defendant | Marlon Koushall (fellow officer) & Baltimore City Police Department |
| Case Type | Civil Rights, Assault & Battery, False Imprisonment, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Case No. 20-cv-3536) |
| Outcome | $5.2 Million Federal Jury Verdict — October 2024 |
| Lead Attorney | Latoya A. Francis-Williams, The Law Offices of Latoya A. Francis-Williams, LLC |
The Incident: August 2018
In August 2018, then-Sergeant Henrietta Middleton was off duty when she encountered Sergeant Marlon Koushall, who was on duty responding to a disturbance at Norma Jean’s, a club located on The Block in Baltimore City. What followed was a disturbing and unprovoked physical attack: Koushall struck Middleton in the face and forcibly threw her to the ground by her hair, causing injuries to her face, temple, and head, along with significant pain, suffering, and severe emotional distress.
The incident was witnessed by numerous bystanders and captured on both surveillance cameras and cell phone video — evidence that would later prove decisive in exposing the truth.
A System That Failed Her — At First
In what can only be described as a troubling miscarriage of justice, Sergeant Middleton was initially charged with assaulting Officer Koushall — making the victim the accused. This type of institutional retaliation against those who speak out about police misconduct is exactly what civil rights attorneys and advocates have long fought to expose and dismantle.
Fortunately, the truth could not be suppressed. When bystander video footage emerged clearly showing Koushall striking Middleton in the face and throwing her to the ground by her hair, the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office dropped all charges against Middleton and instead indicted Koushall on second-degree assault charges.
The Criminal Case: Conviction Without Consequences
In October 2019, Sergeant Marlon Koushall was convicted of second-degree assault following a bench trial in Baltimore City Circuit Court. However, the outcome of the criminal proceedings left much to be desired. Judge Lynn Stewart Mays initially imposed a sentence that included suspended time and probation — and in a stunning turn, just days before Koushall was set to be terminated from the force, the judge modified his sentence to probation before judgment, allowing him to retain his badge and his job.
This outcome is emblematic of a broader pattern that civil rights attorneys see repeatedly: the criminal justice system’s failure to hold law enforcement officers fully accountable, even when their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. It underscores why civil litigation is often the most powerful tool available for victims of police misconduct — and why having an experienced, tenacious civil rights attorney matters.
Taking the Fight to Federal Court
Refusing to allow the inadequate criminal sentence to be the final word, Captain Middleton and her legal team filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in 2020. The complaint alleged multiple claims including:
• Battery
• False Imprisonment
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
• Civil Rights Violations
For years, the case wound through the federal courts, surviving motions to dismiss and procedural hurdles. Through it all, Attorney Latoya A. Francis-Williams remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice for Captain Middleton, ensuring that the full weight of Middleton’s suffering — physical, emotional, and professional — was presented to the jury.
The Verdict: $5.2 Million for Justice
$5,200,000
Federal Jury Verdict — U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland — October 2024
In October 2024, a federal jury delivered a verdict that sent a resounding message: no one — not even a fellow officer — has the right to violate another person’s civil rights and dignity without facing serious consequences. The jury awarded Captain Henrietta Middleton $5.2 million in damages, acknowledging the profound impact of the assault, the false accusation, and the years of professional and emotional harm she endured.
By the time of the verdict, Middleton had been promoted twice within the Baltimore Police Department, now serving as a Captain in the Northern District. Yet despite her career advancement, she has remained committed to pursuing full accountability — a testament to her extraordinary courage and resolve.
“We are absolutely pleased with the jury’s outcome. Our goal was to capture the humanity of Captain Middleton. This was about compensation for the humiliation she endured, not just the pain and suffering but the ill-treatment.”
— Latoya A. Francis-Williams, Esq. — The Law Offices of Latoya A. Francis-Williams, LLC
Why This Case Matters for Civil Rights in Maryland
The Middleton verdict is more than a single legal victory — it is a landmark moment for civil rights and police accountability in the state of Maryland and beyond. Here’s why:
1. It Holds Institutions Accountable
When the criminal justice system falls short, civil litigation provides an essential avenue for justice. This $5.2 million verdict sends a clear signal to police departments everywhere: institutional protection of misconduct will not shield wrongdoers from civil liability.
2. It Affirms the Dignity of Every Victim
Captain Middleton was not just an officer — she was a Black woman, a public servant, and a victim who was initially silenced by the very system she served. Her victory affirms that every person deserves to have their suffering acknowledged and compensated, regardless of their profession or the identity of their attacker.
3. It Demonstrates the Power of Civil Rights Litigation
This case is a powerful example of how experienced civil rights attorneys can leverage the federal court system to achieve outcomes that eluded the criminal justice process. Civil litigation empowers victims with tools — discovery, depositions, and jury trials — that can uncover institutional failures and compel accountability.
4. It Sets a Precedent for Police-on-Police Misconduct
Cases of officers assaulting fellow officers, particularly across racial or gender lines, rarely receive the legal scrutiny they deserve. The Middleton verdict breaks new ground and puts all law enforcement agencies on notice that civil rights protections apply universally — regardless of whether the perpetrator wears a badge.
About The Law Offices of Latoya A. Francis-Williams, LLC
The Law Offices of Latoya A. Francis-Williams, LLC is a Maryland-based litigation firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been wronged by powerful institutions. Attorney Francis-Williams personally handles each case, bringing her deep legal expertise, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
The firm specializes in:
• Civil Rights & Police Brutality / Excessive Force
• Personal Injury
• Criminal Defense
• Victims’ Rights
• Civil Litigation & Mediation
Attorney Francis-Williams is driven by a singular mission: “In the pursuit of justice, we stand as your unwavering shield and insightful guide — committed to your rights, ensuring every voice is heard.” The Middleton verdict is the latest proof that this commitment produces real, life-changing results.
Has Your Civil Rights Been Violated?
If you or someone you love has experienced police brutality, excessive force, civil rights violations, or unjust treatment by law enforcement, you don’t have to face it alone. The Law Offices of Latoya A. Francis-Williams, LLC has the experience, dedication, and track record to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
(410) 356-4691
Info@lfwlaw.org
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Sources: The Baltimore Banner (thebaltimorebanner.com) • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Case No. 20-cv-3536) • Baltimore Sun • WMAR-2 News
Disclaimer: This blog post is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation.