New York Police Department Detective Sues City

Industry > Work Accident

July 14, 2006

Print | Email | Link | Industry | New York

New York City, NY - A New York Police Department(NYPD) detective is suing the city for $10 million, on the ground that a psychologist assigned to him after a 'near-death experience' on the job testified against him at a driving while intoxicated(DWI) trial - violating confidentiality laws.

In his civil suit filed in Bronx Supreme Court James Montgomery, of Nassau County, claims that in 2002 after a 'near-death experience' as an undercover narcotics cop, NYPD suggested him to get treatment for depression, anxiety and sleep deprivation from the department psychologist, Dr. Katherine Lambstein.

James Montgomery complains that Dr. Lambstein and her colleague, Dr. Andrew Propper, confined him to several institutions and administered medication.

In January 2003, Montgomery was busted in The Bronx on a charge of driving while intoxicated(DWI).

Montgomery charges that in February 2005, Dr. Lambstein took the stand as a witness for the prosecution, without his consent and violating laws of confidentiality.

Montgomery also argues that the city, NYPD, Dr. Lambstein and Dr. Propper 'maliciously, unlawfully, unreasonably and deliberately disclosed the contents of the conversations' he had with the psychologists, which were protected against involuntary disclosure by a psychotherapist/psychologist privilege, in an attempt to gain a conviction.

Court records show that James Montgomery was acquitted of all charges.

The suit also claims that Dr. Lambstein testified that she hated Montgomery, and adds that his prolonged therapy exacerbated his psychological injuries, causing him to develop a drinking problem, which eventually led to his bust.

Injury HelpLine Newsletter

Products and Services