City of Maitland and Maitland Police Department Sued for Sexual Misconduct by Officer after DUI Arrest

LONGWOOD, FL - October 4, 2021 – A victim has come forward and filed a lawsuit against the City of Maitland, the Maitland Police Department, and Alexander Cruz for allegations of sexual battery by Cruz, an officer of the Maitland Police Department at the time. 

 The Complaint, filed in Orange County by Lisa Haba of the Haba Law Firm, and David Webster and Benjamin Pallone of the Law Office of David A. Webster, alleges how what started as a routine traffic stop deteriorated into something else entirely.  The Plaintiff was the subject of a traffic stop, ultimately resulting in a DUI investigation commenced by Officer Cruz.  After an arrest took place, Officer Cruz abused his position of power and authority as the arresting officer to coerce the Plaintiff into engaging in sexual activity against her will.  When Officer Cruz was brought before internal affairs for the ensuing investigation, the case was swept under the proverbial rug.

 Plaintiffs’ attorney Lisa Haba states, “the police are sworn to protect and serve; when those very officers use their position of power to exploit, there must be accountability.”

 Plaintiffs’ attorney Benjamin Pallone states, “the inadequacy of the internal affairs investigation conducted by the Maitland Police Department in this matter is unlike anything I have previously encountered in my career, and is incredibly concerning.”

 The case was filed in Orange County, Florida, and the case number is 482021CA009595A001OX.

 About The Haba Law Firm, P.A.

The Haba Law Firm located in Seminole County and serving the central Florida area, provides excellence in civil litigation, criminal law, real estate litigation and family law.  Haba Law prides itself on its aggressive and effective representation, honesty, and trauma-informed, victim centered advocacy.  The unparalleled knowledge and experience in working with victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking has resulted in Lisa Haba receiving numerous awards and recognitions for her legal advocacy.

 About The Law Office of David A. Webster, P.A.

The Law Office of David A. Webster, P.A., located in Seminole County and serving the central Florida area, seeks to provide its clients with thoughtful, tailored, and aggressive representation. With over thirty-seven years of combined legal experience between Mr. Webster and Mr. Pallone, the firm focuses on seeking justice and fairness for its clients throughout their respective journeys within the legal system.