A lawsuit involving a Casper police officer accused of violating a woman’s constitutional rights has resulted in Wyoming paying out $130,000 in public funds, along with an additional $25,000 from a municipal liability pool to settle a claim against the city, WyoFile reports.
The case stemmed from a 2020 incident in which Officer Michael Quirin forcibly restrained Adrianah “Nana” Rodriguez by pinning her to the ground and kneeling on her neck during an arrest.
Rodriguez’s legal team argued that the officer’s actions were part of a broader pattern of unconstitutional behavior within the Casper Police Department. Despite Quirin denying liability, the judgment against him led to the payout. Rodriguez expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that holding the police and city accountable was a primary goal.
The incident occurred on January 5, 2020, when Quirin and another officer responded to a noise complaint. Quirin became agitated while waiting for someone to answer the door, and upon entry—citing the scent of marijuana—he confronted Rodriguez and others in the apartment. Moments later, he forcefully restrained Rodriguez, leading to her being jailed overnight. The charges against her were later dropped.
Although the Casper Police Department initially suspended Quirin for a week without pay and required additional training, the department continues to stand by his actions. However, the case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct in Wyoming. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly $3.4 million was paid out in similar settlements statewide. Officers’ lack of training on Fourth Amendment issues, such as search and seizure, has been cited as a contributing factor to these legal cases.
Rodriguez’s attorneys hope the judgment will lead to better training for police officers in Wyoming, with an emphasis on respecting constitutional rights.
