The state of Wyoming has paid $155,000 in public funds following a judgment against a Casper police officer and a related settlement with the city, Gillette News Record reports.
Officer Michael Quirin was found liable for violating a woman’s constitutional rights during a 2020 arrest in which he forced her to the ground and knelt on her neck. The judgment against Quirin cost the state $130,000, while a separate claim against the City of Casper resulted in a $25,000 settlement paid by a municipal liability pool.
The incident involved Adrianah “Nana” Rodriguez, who said the police officer’s actions caused her significant harm.
“One of my most important goals in this case was to hold the police and the City accountable for their brutality and misconduct… I hope they have learned a lesson,” Rodriguez said.
The altercation took place on January 5, 2020, when Quirin and another officer responded to a noise complaint at an apartment. Bodycam footage reviewed by multiple sources showed Quirin becoming increasingly agitated as he interacted with Rodriguez, who was among a group of people inside the apartment. When she questioned the officers and asserted her rights, Quirin quickly escalated the situation, pinning her to the ground. Others present voiced concerns that Quirin’s knee was on Rodriguez’s neck.
Rodriguez, a Black/Latina woman, was later arrested and charged with interfering with a peace officer, though the charges were eventually dropped. Following an internal investigation, the Casper Police Department suspended Quirin for a week without pay and required additional training for the entire department. Despite this, the department continued to stand by Quirin’s overall account of the incident.
The lawsuit argued that Quirin’s actions violated Rodriguez’s First and Fourth Amendment rights, claiming unlawful entry and retaliation for her speech. Quirin denied liability but eventually agreed to have a judgment entered against him, an uncommon legal resolution. Of the $130,000 paid by the state, $30,000 was designated for Rodriguez’s legal fees.
In addition to the state judgment, the City of Casper paid $25,000 to settle its part of the lawsuit. This case adds to a series of costly legal settlements related to police misconduct in Wyoming, with nearly $3.4 million paid out over the last five fiscal years for peace officer claims, according to the State Self-Insurance Program.
The case has raised broader concerns about the adequacy of police training in Wyoming. Casper Police Sergeant Jake Bigelow testified to the state’s Joint Judiciary Committee about the lack of sufficient training in search and seizure laws, a gap that has contributed to multiple lawsuits. He advocated for making such training mandatory for all officers.
Rodriguez’s attorney, Darold Killmer, expressed hope that the judgment would lead to improved police training and respect for constitutional rights.
“I am not happy to see that the Casper police are not well trained and that they disrespect the law,” Killmer said.
He added that police should protect citizens’ rights, not violate them.
Officer Quirin remains employed by the Casper Police Department, where he is described as an active officer.
Rodriguez expressed pride in standing up for her rights.
“The night I was assaulted by Officer Quirin was the most terrifying experience of my life. I am proud of myself for standing up for my constitutional rights,” she said.
