Court Ruling — D. Nev, 2025

**Police Officer Wins Default Judgment Against Colleague for Assault and Other Claims** This case involved a police officer who sued a fellow officer (John Rabago) from the Honolulu Police Department. The plaintiff claimed that Rabago committed assault and battery, falsely imprisoned them, and caused severe emotional distress. The officer also alleged that Rabago violated their constitutional rights under federal civil rights laws. The court ruled completely in favor of the plaintiff officer. However, this happened because Rabago never responded to the lawsuit or showed up to defend himself in court. When a defendant fails to participate in a legal case, the court can issue what's called a "default judgment," which automatically gives the win to the person who filed the lawsuit. This case matters for workers because it shows that employees can successfully sue coworkers for workplace violence and harassment, even within law enforcement agencies. It demonstrates that workers have legal options when colleagues assault them or violate their rights on the job. The case also reinforces that federal civil rights laws protect workers from constitutional violations by government employees, including fellow officers in police departments.