Newton Man Wins $105K After Sober OWI Arrest, Taxpayers Pay
A federal jury has ordered the city of Newton to pay $105,000 to a young man arrested for driving under the influence despite blowing a 0.00 on a breathalyzer. The verdict caps a years-long legal battle that highlights growing concerns about government overreach and the financial burden placed on taxpayers when law enforcement gets it wrong.
Body Camera Footage Tells the Story
Tayvin Galanakis was pulled over in August 2022 by Newton Police Officers Nathan Winters and Christopher Wing. The officers immediately pressed Galanakis about alcohol consumption. When he said he hadn't been drinking, the officer responded with disbelief.
Instead of using a breathalyzer right away, Winters made Galanakis perform field sobriety tests. When the breathalyzer finally registered a 0.00, the officer shifted his theory to marijuana impairment.