Hornback et al v. Czartorski et al

Filing 120

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER signed by Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings on 9/14/2022. Czartorski's Motion in Limine (DE 88 ) and Wright and Dreisbach's Motion in Limine (DE 95 ) are DENIED regarding the exclusion of lay witness testimony. C zartorski's Motion in Limine (DE 88 ) and Wright and Dreisbach's Motion in Limine (DE 95 ) are GRANTED regarding "golden rule" arguments and appeals for the jury to send a message. Czartorski's Motion in Limine (DE 88 ) is GRANTED regarding his perjury charge. Czartorski's Motion in Limine (DE 88 ) and Wright and Dreisbach's Motion in Limine (DE 95 ) are DENIED regarding the exclusion of their failure to file a use of force report. Czartorski's M otion in Limine (DE 88 ) is DENIED regarding his previous uses of force, investigations into his use of force, and related discipline. Czartorski's Motion in Limine (DE 88 ) is GRANTED regarding his label as a former trooper. Wright and Drei sbach's Motion in Limine (DE 95 ) is DENIED regarding evidence of illegal detention or retaliation against Kevin and Sonya. Czartorski's Motion in Limine (DE 88 ) is GRANTED in PART and Plaintiffs' Motion in Limine (DE 99 ) is DENIED in PART regarding Alex's charges or convictions for fleeing and evading arrest. Parties shall file proposed limiting instructions consistent with this Order in advance of trial. cc: Counsel (SMJ)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY
LOUISVILLE DIVISION
KEVIN HORNBACK, et al.

Plaintiffs
Civil Action No. 3:20-cv-703-RGJ

v.
THOMAS CZARTORSKI, et al.

Defendants
* * * * *

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
Defendant Thomas Czartorski (“Czartorski”) moved in limine to exclude certain categories
of evidence.

[DE 88].

Defendants Cameron Wright (“Wright”) and Kevin Dreisbach

(“Dreisbach”) 1 also moved in limine to exclude evidence. [DE 95]. Due to overlapping arguments
in Defendants’ motions in limine, Plaintiffs jointly responded in opposition. [DE 110]. Defendants
did not reply. Alex Hornback (“Alex”), Kevin Hornback (“Kevin”), and Sonya Hornback
(“Sonya”) (collectively, “Plaintiffs”) moved in limine to exclude evidence offered by Defendants.
[DE 99]. Wright and Dreisbach responded [DE 107], and Czartorski responded separately [DE
109]. Plaintiffs did not reply. Briefing is complete, and the matter is ripe. For the reasons below,
the Court GRANTS in Part and DENIES in Part Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88],
GRANTS in Part and DENIES in Part Wright and Dreisbach’s Motion in Limine [DE 95], and
GRANTS in Part and DENIES in Part Plaintiffs’ Motion in Limine [DE 99].
I.

BACKGROUND

Plaintiffs allege that Defendants breached 42 U.S.C. § 1983 by violating their rights under
the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments. [DE 40 at 652–53]. The Court provided a detailed
summary of the facts in its Order on summary judgment. [DE 84 at 3743–47]. Therefore, the
1

Wright, Dreisbach and Czartorski are collectively referred to as “Defendants.”

1

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Court reincorporates Section II, which includes the applicable facts and background. [Id.]. After
the Court’s Order on the parties’ motions for summary judgment, only the following claim remain:
(1) violations of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments by Wright and Dreisbach against Kevin
for deleting his cell phone video; (2) violations of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments by
Wright and Czartorski for use of excessive force against Alex; (3) failure to intervene by Wright
against Kevin and Sonya. [Id. at 3789–90]. This Order addresses all remaining issues in the
parties’ pretrial motions and objections.
II.

LEGAL STANDARD

Federal district courts have the power to exclude irrelevant, inadmissible, or prejudicial
evidence in limine under their inherent authority to manage trials. Luce v. United States, 469 U.S.
38, 41 n.4 (1984) (citing Fed. R. Evid. 103(c)). Yet, the “better practice” is to defer evidentiary
rulings until trial unless the evidence is clearly inadmissible on all potential grounds. Sperberg v.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 519 F.2d 708, 712 (6th Cir. 1975). Courts favor this posture so that
“questions of foundation, relevancy and potential prejudice may be resolved in proper context.”
Gresh v. Waste Servs. of Am., Inc., 738 F. Supp. 2d 702, 706 (E.D. Ky. 2010) (internal citations
omitted). When this Court issues a ruling in limine, it is “no more than a preliminary, or advisory,
opinion.” United States v. Yannott, 42 F.3d 999, 1007 (6th Cir. 1994) (citing United States v. Luce,
713 F.2d 1236, 1239 (6th Cir.1983), aff’d, 469 U.S. 38 (1984)). Thus, the Court may alter or
amend a prior in limine ruling at trial. Luce, 713 F.2d at 1239.
III.

DISCUSSION

A. Defendants’ Motions in Limine to Exclude Lay Witness Testimony on Expert
Matters [DE 88; DE 95].
Defendants move the Court to exclude testimony from Plaintiffs that exceeds the scope of
their abilities as lay witnesses. [DE 88 at 3869–71; DE 95 at 3994]. Kevin and Sonya indicate
2

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that they intend to testify regarding bruises and carpet burns that were present on Alex after his
arrest. [DE 110 at 4117–17]. They also intend to testify that they observed Alex walking with a
limp after the arrest. [Id. at 4118]. Alex intends to testify regarding pain he personally experienced
because of the arrest. [Id.].
Federal Rule of Evidence 701 permits a lay witness to give opinion testimony that is “(a)
rationally based on the perception of the witness, (b) helpful to a clear understanding of the
witness’ testimony or the determination of a fact in issue, and (c) not based on scientific, technical,
or other specialized knowledge within the scope of Rule 702.” As an example, the Advisory
Committee noted “that a lay witness with experience could testify that a substance appeared to be
blood, but that a witness would have to qualify as an expert before he could testify that bruising
around the eyes is indicative of skull trauma.” Fed. R. Evid. 701 advisory committee’s note to
2000 amendments. Accordingly, courts have held that lay witnesses can testify regarding injuries
they witness, such as bruising. See Grobstein v. Port of Portland, No. 3:18-cv-01916-YY, 2021
WL 1300115, at *1 (D. Or. Feb. 16, 2021); Silva v. Chung, No. CV 15-00436 HG-KJM, 2019 WL
2195203, at *6 (D. Haw. May 21, 2019). Courts have similarly held that a lay witness can testify
regarding his own physical condition, including bruising and pain. See Jones v. Davis, No. 4:17CV-02875-SEP, 2022 WL 656128, at *5 (E.D. Mo. Mar. 4, 2022).
Under Rule 701, Kevin and Sonya may testify as lay witnesses regarding Alex’s injuries
that they observed. See Silva, 2019 WL 2195203, at *6. Similarly, Alex may testify regarding his
own injuries and the pain he personally experienced. See Jones, 2022 WL 656128, at *5.
Accordingly, Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] and Wright and Dreisbach’s Motion in
Limine [DE 95] are DENIED regarding the exclusion of lay witness testimony.

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B. Defendants’ Motions in Limine to Exclude “Golden Rule” Arguments or
Attempts to Ask the Jury to “Send a Message” [DE 88; DE 95].
Defendants argue that Plaintiffs should not be able to make arguments asking the jury to
“put themselves in Plaintiffs’ shoes.” [DE 88 at 3872; DE 95 at 3994–95]. Such arguments are
referred to as “golden rule” arguments. Defendants also argue that Plaintiffs should be prohibited
from asking the jury to “send a message” or make similar pleas when addressing damages. [DE
88 at 3872; DE 95 at 3994–95]. Plaintiffs concede that “golden rule” arguments are not permitted.
[DE 110 at 4124]. However, Plaintiffs argue that asking the jury to “send a message” is appropriate
because punitive damages are available. [Id.].
This Court has found that suggesting the jury “send a message” is highly prejudicial and
such evidence should be excluded. See Locke v. Swift Transp. Co. of Ariz., LLC, 2019 WL
6037666, at *2 (W.D. Ky. Nov. 14, 2019). Pleas for the jury to send a message often become an
“improper distraction from the jury’s sworn duty to reach a fair, honest and just verdict.” Strickland
v. Owens Corning, 142 F.3d 353, 358–59 (6th Cir. 1998).
Plaintiffs cite two cases where parties made a “send a message” appeal in closing
arguments where punitive damages were available. See, e.g., Clark v. Chrysler Corp., 436 F.3d
594, 610 fn.22 (6th Cir. 2006); Jennings v. Fuller, No. 13-13308, 2017 WL 2242357 (E.D. Mich.
May 23, 2017). However, in both cases, the courts held that asking the jury to send a message
with punitive damages was not reversible error. See Clark v. Chrysler Corp., 436 F.3d 594, 610
(6th Cir. 2006); Jennings v. Fuller, No. 13-13308, 2017 WL 2242357, at *13 (E.D. Mich. May 23,
2017). Because “send a message” arguments are highly disfavored in this Circuit, they are often
excluded even when punitive damages are available. See, e.g., Penman v. Correct Care Sols.,
LLC, No. 5:18-cv-00058 (TBR), 2022 WL 697914, at *2 (W.D. Ky. Mar. 8, 2022); Slappy v. City
of Detroit, No. 19-10171, 2021 WL 2986284, at *6–7 (E.D. Mich. July 15, 2021). Accordingly,
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Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] and Wright and Dreisbach’s Motion in Limine [DE 95] are
GRANTED regarding “golden rule” arguments and appeals for the jury to send a message.
C. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine to Exclude Evidence of Czartorski’s Perjury
Charge [DE 88].
Czartorski argues that evidence of criminal charges against him for perjury that arose out
of this case are irrelevant and highly prejudicial. [DE 88 at 3876–77]. Plaintiffs argue that the
charge is relevant to the issue of punitive damages and may be used to impeach. [DE 110 at 4119–
20].
Evidence is relevant if “(a) it has any tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it
would be without the evidence; and (b) the fact is of consequence in determining the action.” Fed.
R. Evid. 401.

Relevant evidence may be excluded “if its probative value is substantially

outweighed by a danger of one or more of the following: unfair prejudice, confusing the issues,
misleading the jury, undue delay, wasting time, or needlessly presenting cumulative evidence.”
Id. at 403.
It is undisputed that Czartorski was indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury for perjury
related to his testimony in this case. [DE 110 at 4119]. The Court has also recognized the
inconsistencies in Czartorski’s deposition testimony. [DE 84 at 3761]. Whether or not Czartorski
was charged with a crime related to this case will not make a fact more or less probable, the
inconsistencies speak for themselves. See Fed. R. Evid. 401(a). Even if Czartorski’s charge was
relevant, it would risk unfair prejudice under Rule 403. Courts have held that evidence of charges
could confuse the jury who may unduly rely on the fact that the party was indicted. See, e.g., Allen
v. City of Los Angeles, No. CV 10-4695 CAS RCX, 2012 WL 1641712, at *3 (C.D. Cal. May 7,
2012). Accordingly, Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] is GRANTED regarding his perjury
charge.
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D. Defendants’ Motions in Limine to Exclude Evidence Regarding Failure to File
a Use of Force Report [DE 88; DE 95].
Defendants argue that their failure to file a use of force report after arresting Alex is
irrelevant and should be excluded. [DE 88 at 3877; DE 95 at 3995]. In response, Plaintiffs contend
that this evidence is relevant to prove Defendants’ motive or intent as it goes to punitive damages.
[DE 110 at 4110].
Courts have held that evidence of a failure to file a use of force report is relevant to prove
the defendant’s state of mind. See Pace v. Bunch, No. 3:10CV460-DPJ-FKB, 2012 WL 32980, at
*1 (S.D. Miss. Jan. 6, 2012) (“Failing to properly report, if true, would reflect on the officer’s state
of mind regarding the propriety of his actions.”). Although construing evidence in the plaintiff’s
favor, other courts have held that failure to file a use of force report is relevant to prove that the
defendant knew his force was unjustified. See Fenelus v. Pena, No. 16-21103-CV-COOKE, 2019
U.S. Dist. LEXIS 82148, at *16–17 (S.D. Fla. May 13, 2019). Accordingly, the Court finds that
evidence of Defendants’ failure to file a use of force report is relevant. See Fed. R. Evid. 401(a).
Defendants also argue that even if this evidence is relevant, it should be excluded due to
the risk of unfair prejudice. [DE 88 at 3878; DE 95 at 3996]. However, Plaintiffs argue that the
probative value outweighs any risk of unfair prejudice. [DE 110 at 4111]. Defendants have failed
to cite a case where a court has excluded evidence of an officer’s failure to file a use of force report
under similar circumstances. [DE 88; DE 110]. Plaintiffs correctly note that use of force reports
are routinely admissible in use of force cases. See Combs v. Wilkinson, 315 F.3d 548 (6th Cir.
2002). The also cite case law where similar evidence has been admitted over the opposing party’s
objection based on the risk of unfair prejudice. See Pace, 2012 WL 32980, at *1. Therefore, the
Court will not exclude evidence of Defendants’ failure to file a use of force report. As in Pace,
the Court may issue a limiting instruction if it determines this there is a risk of unfair prejudice at
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trial. See id. Accordingly, Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] and Wright and Dreisbach’s
Motion in Limine [DE 95] are DENIED regarding the exclusion of their failure to file a use of
force report.
E. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine to Exclude Evidence of His Previous Uses of
Force, Investigations, and Discipline [DE 88].
Czartorski argues that evidence related to his previous uses of force, investigations into his
use of force, and related discipline should be excluded because it is impermissible character
evidence.2 [DE 88 at 3878–80]. Plaintiffs contend that this evidence is permissible because it
goes to prove motive, intent, and absence of mistake, which goes directly to punitive damages.
[DE 110 at 4113–14].
Under Rule 404(b)(1), evidence of another “crime, wrong, or other act is not admissible to
prove a person’s character in order to show that on a particular occasion the person acted in
accordance with the character.” This evidence may, however, be admissible for “proving motive,
opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake, or lack of
accident.” Fed. R. Evid. 404(b)(2). The Sixth Circuit has created a three step test to determine
“whether a prior bad act should be admissible: (1) whether there is sufficient evidence that the
prior other act actually occurred; (2) whether the evidence of the other act is probative of a material
issue other than character; and (3) if the first two factors are met, whether the probative value of
the evidence is substantially outweighed by its potential prejudicial effect.” United States v.
Mendez, No. 08-20406-STA, 2009 WL 2982628, at *2 (W.D. Tenn. Sept. 11, 2009) (citing United
States v. Trujillo, 376 F.3d 593, 605 (6th Cir. 2004)).

2

Czartorski separately addresses evidence of his previous use of force and evidence of investigations and
discipline related to his use of force. [DE 88 at 3878, 3879]. The Court addresses these issues together
because the same analysis applies to both categories of evidence.

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Under the three-part test, neither party disputes whether the Czartorski previously used
force, was investigated for his use of force, and was disciplined. [DE 88]. Therefore, the first
factor is satisfied.

As relevant to the second factor, Plaintiffs must prove Czartorski was

“motivated by evil motive or intent, or [showed] reckless or callous indifference to the federally
protected rights of others” to prove punitive damages. See Smith v. Wade, 461 U.S. 30, 56 (1983).
The Sixth Circuit has held that Rule 404(b) evidence may be admissible to prove that a defendant
acted with the statutorily required intent. See United States v. Johnson, 27 F.3d 1186, 1192 (6th
Cir. 1994). Moreover, Courts in the Sixth Circuit have held that evidence of prior instances of a
police officer’s use of force is relevant to prove he acted with the necessary intent. See, e.g., United
States v. Mize, 498 F. Supp. 3d 978, 983 (S.D. Ohio 2020). Consequently, evidence of Czartorski’s
uses of force, investigations into his use of force, and related discipline is relevant to prove he
acted with an evil motive or intent and satisfies the second factor. Mendez, 2009 WL 2982628, at
*2.
Under the third factor, “trial courts must carefully apply the Rule 403 balancing test, which
provides that otherwise relevant evidence ‘may be excluded if its probative value is substantially
outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.’” Mize, 498 F. Supp. 3d at 983 (citing Fed. R. Evid.
403). The two prior instances where Czartorski used force occurred within a month of Alex’s
arrest and one instance also involved force with his flashlight. [DE 110 at 4113]. At the time of
Alex’s arrest, Czartorski knew he was under investigation for both prior incidents. [Id.]. Evidence
related to Czartorski’s previous uses of force, investigations into his use of force, and related
discipline are highly probative of the required intent for punitive damages and Defendants’ motive
for attempting to cover up Czartorski’s use of force on Alex. See Fed. R. Evid. 401. Courts,

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including the Sixth Circuit, “routinely admit evidence of prior excessive force incidents to prove
intent.” Mize, 498 F. Supp. 3d at 984 (collecting cases).
The Court recognizes that there is a risk of prejudice if this evidence is admitted. To
overcome Plaintiffs’ use of this evidence, Czartorski must demonstrate that the evidence’s
probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. See United States
v. Allen, 619 F.3d 518, 523 (6th Cir. 2010). District Courts have “very broad discretion in
determining whether the danger of undue prejudice outweighs the probative value of the
evidence.” United States v. Fisher, 648 F.3d 442, 449 (6th Cir. 2011). “Evidence is unfairly
prejudicial when it ‘tends to suggest [a] decision on an improper basis,’ but is not unfairly
prejudicial when it only damages the defendant’s case due to the legitimate probative force of the
evidence.” United States v. Houston, 813 F.3d 282, 291 (6th Cir. 2016) (quoting United States v.
Bonds, 12 F.3d 540, 567 (6th Cir. 1993)).
Here, Czartorski has failed to prove that the risk of unfair prejudice substantially outweighs
the probative value. As noted above, this evidence is highly probative of Czartorski’s motive,
intent, and absence of mistake as it could relate to punitive damages. As in Mize, the Court will
give a limiting instruction related to this evidence to cure any risk of unfair prejudice. See Mize,
498 F. Supp. 3d at 985. Therefore, the third part of the Sixth Circuit’s test is satisfied, see Mendez,
2009 WL 2982628, at *2, and the Court will not exclude this evidence. Czartorski’s Motion in
Limine [DE 88] is DENIED regarding his previous uses of force, investigations into his use of
force, and related discipline.
F. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine to Exclude Evidence of His Departure from the
Kentucky State Police [DE 88].
Czartorski argues that evidence of his departure from the Kentucky State Police is
irrelevant and should be excluded. [DE 88 at 3880]. Plaintiffs contend that labeling Czartorski as
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a former trooper is merely an accurate statement. At the hearing on August 31, 2022, the Court
held that Plaintiffs could ask where Czartorski is currently employed and indicate that he is no
longer a trooper. However, as there may have been multiple factors that contributed to Czartoski’s
departure from the Kentucky State Police, Plaintiffs should refer to him as “Mr. Czartorski” instead
of “former trooper Czartorski” during trial. Accordingly, Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88]
is GRANTED regarding his label as a former trooper.
G. Wright and Dreisbach’s Motion in Limine to Exclude Evidence Regarding
Retaliation and Illegal Detention of Kevin and Sonya [DE 95].
Wright and Dreisbach argue that evidence regarding any illegal detention or retaliation
against Kevin and Sonya should be excluded because it is irrelevant. [DE 95 at 3996]. Plaintiffs
argue that this evidence is relevant to the seizure of Kevin’s phone. [DE 110 at 4125].
Kevin and Sonya’s illegal seizure claims have been dismissed.

[DE 84; DE 113].

Accordingly, evidence to support dismissed claims would no longer be relevant. See Fed. R. Evid.
401. However, to this evidence may be relevant to the seizure of Kevin’s phone or Plaintiffs’
failure to intervene claim. Neither party has identified specific testimony or pieces of evidence
they wish to exclude. The Court is, of course, hesitant to rule on an entire category of evidence
without more information. Therefore, the Court will rule on the admissibility of this evidence as
it arises at trial. See Sperberg v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 519 F.2d 708, 712 (6th Cir. 1975)
(“Orders in limine which exclude broad categories of evidence should rarely be employed. A better
practice is to deal with questions of admissibility of evidence as they arise.”). Accordingly, Wright
and Dreisbach’s Motion in Limine [DE 95] is DENIED regarding illegal detention or retaliation
against Kevin and Sonya at this time.

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H. Czartorsi and Plaintiffs’ Motions in Limine Regarding Evidence of Alex’s
Criminal Record [DE 88; DE 99]
Czartorski argues that all evidence related to Alex’s criminal record is relevant to Defendants’
mental state during the arrest. [DE 88 at 3873]. Plaintiffs moved to exclude this same evidence
arguing it is impermissible character evidence. [DE 99 at 4019–21].
i.

Admissibility under Rule 609

Wright and Dreisbach argue that they should be allowed to use all of Alex’s past felonies
and all other crimes involving dishonest acts to impeach his credibility under Rule 609. [DE 107
at 4092]. Plaintiffs contend that only the three felony convictions that occurred within the last ten
years may be admissible. [DE 110 at 4122].
Federal Rule of Evidence 609(a) allows for impeachment of witnesses by evidence of a
conviction of a crime. “[E]vidence that a witness other than an accused has been convicted of a
crime shall be admitted, subject to Rule 403, if the crime was punishable by death or imprisonment
in excess of one year under the law under which the witness was convicted.” Fed. R. Evid.
609(a)(1). Such evidence is inadmissible, however, if “more than ten years has elapsed since the
date of the conviction or of the release of the witness from the confinement imposed for that
conviction, whichever is the later date.” Id. at 609(b).
Although Plaintiffs concede that Alex has three prior convictions that may be admitted
under Rule 609, Wright and Dreisbach argue that there are four convictions. [DE 107 at 4093].
In accordance with Rule 609, the Court will not exclude evidence of Alex’s felony convictions
that are less than 10 years old for purposes of impeachment. However, Defendants must establish
that the additional conviction, to which Plaintiffs have not conceded, is within the scope of Rule
609.

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ii.

Admissibility under Rule 404

Defendants argue that Alex’s entire criminal record is admissible as substantive evidence
to demonstrate their state of mind when arresting Alex. [DE 107 at 4091; DE 109 at 4106]. In
response, Plaintiffs argue that this is impermissible character evidence. [DE 99 at 4020; DE 110
at 4122].
Under Rule 404(b)(1), evidence of another “crime, wrong, or other act is not admissible to
prove a person’s character in order to show that on a particular occasion the person acted in
accordance with the character.” The Court must review this evidence under the Sixth Circuits
three-part test. See Mendez, 2009 WL 2982628, at *2.
First, neither party disputes that there is sufficient evidence that Alex’s past criminal
conduct occurred. Therefore, the first part of the test is satisfied. See id. Second, Defendants
argue that evidence of Alex’s criminal record is probative of their state of mind when conducting
the arrest and determining how much force may be appropriate under the circumstances. [DE 107
at 4091; DE 109 at 4106]. The Sixth Circuit has held that evidence officers knew of the plaintiff’s
criminal history is relevant in use of force cases to demonstrate the officers’ state of mind. See
Bronzino v. Dunn, 558 F. App’x 613, 615 (6th Cir. 2014). However, not all past crimes may have
been relevant to Defendants’ preparation and actions related to the arrest. Czartorski provides the
Court with a list of crimes he believes are relevant and should be admitted to demonstrate his state
of mind during the arrest.3 [DE 88 at 3874]. Czartorski noted in his brief that Alex’s criminal
record was attached as Exhibit 1 [id.], but the motion at DE 88 does not attach an exhibit.

3

Czartorski listed the following crimes: wanton endangerment 1st degree, burglary 2nd degree, burglary
3rd degree, promoting contraband, tampering with physical evidence, unlawful imprisonment 1st degree,
persistent felony offender 2nd degree, fleeing or evading police 1st degree, theft by unlawful taking,
receiving stolen property under $10,000.00, possession of a controlled substance 1st degree, assault 4th
domestic violence minor injury, terroristic threatening 3rd degree, burglary 2nd degree, disorderly conduct
2nd degree, harassing communications, violation of EPO/DVO, unlawful imprisonment 2nd degree.

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Therefore, the Court cannot determine whether the crimes listed were merely charges or charges
that resulted in convictions. Without more information regarding Alex’s criminal record, the Court
is unable to make a determination regarding the admissibility of each crime. Accordingly, the
Court will not rule on the admissibility of Alex’s entire criminal record. See Sperberg, 519 F.2d
at 712.
Of the crimes Czartorski listed, certainly fleeing or evading police is relevant to how
Defendants conducted the arrest regardless of whether it resulted in a conviction. Defendants
testified that Dreisbach was sent to cover the exists because they were aware that Alex was a flight
risk. [DE 69-1 at 3135]. However, the Court finds that introducing evidence of Alex’s other
crimes has no purpose other than to prove conformity with character. See Johnson v. Baker, No.
1:08-CV-00038, 2009 WL 3486006, at *4 (W.D. Ky. Oct. 26, 2009) (holding, under similar
circumstances, “the sole purpose for offering evidence of Plaintiff's prior convictions is to show
conformity”). Such evidence is impermissible under Rule 404(b) and must be excluded. Although
Defendants satisfied the second factor as to Alex’s conviction for fleeing or evading arrest, they
have not satisfied the second factor for Alex’s other crimes.
Finally, Plaintiffs must prove that the probative value of Alex’s fleeing or evading police
conviction “is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.’” Fed. R. Evid. 403.
Here, the evidence is highly probative to demonstrate Defendant’s state of mind. As noted in the
Court’s previous Order, Defendants can be seen acting in accordance with their knowledge of
Alex’s tendency to flee because they sent Dreisbach to cover the exits. [DE 84 at 3743]. Plaintiffs
have failed to demonstrate that the probative value of this evidence is substantially outweighed by
the risk of unfair prejudice. See Allen, 619 F.3d at 523. Although the evidence of a prior crime is
undoubtedly prejudicial, “it only damages [Alex]’s case due to the legitimate probative force of

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the evidence.” United States v. Bonds, 12 F.3d at 567. Because of the prejudicial nature of Rule
404(b) evidence, the Court will give a limiting instruction to eliminate any risk of unfair prejudice.
See United States v. Bell, 516 F.3d 432, 445 (6th Cir. 2008). Accordingly, Czartorski’s Motion in
Limine [DE 88] is GRANTED in PART and Plaintiffs’ Motion in Limine [DE 99] is DENIED in
PART regarding Alex’s charges or convictions for fleeing and evading arrest.
IV.

CONCLUSION

Having thus considered the parties’ filings and the applicable law, and being otherwise
sufficiently advised, the Court ORDERS that:
1. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] and Wright and Dreisbach’s Motion in Limine [DE
95] are DENIED regarding the exclusion of lay witness testimony;
2. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] and Wright and Dreisbach’s Motion in Limine
[DE 95] are GRANTED regarding “golden rule” arguments and appeals for the jury to send a
message;
3. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] is GRANTED regarding his perjury charge;
4. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] and Wright and Dreisbach’s Motion in Limine [DE
95] are DENIED regarding the exclusion of their failure to file a use of force report;
5. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] is DENIED regarding his previous uses of force,
investigations into his use of force, and related discipline;
6. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] is GRANTED regarding his label as a former
trooper;
7. Wright and Dreisbach’s Motion in Limine [DE 95] is DENIED regarding evidence of
illegal detention or retaliation against Kevin and Sonya;

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Case 3:20-cv-00703-RGJ-LLK Document 120 Filed 09/15/22 Page 15 of 15 PageID #: 4172

8. Czartorski’s Motion in Limine [DE 88] is GRANTED in PART and Plaintiffs’ Motion
in Limine [DE 99] ] is DENIED in PART regarding Alex’s charges or convictions for fleeing
and evading arrest.
9. Parties shall file proposed limiting instructions consistent with this Order in advance of
trial.

September 14, 2022

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