For Isaiah Taylor, the events of one fateful night in Milwaukee remain as vivid today as they were a decade ago. The emotional trauma of his wrongful detention still lingers. “When I was in the back of that car, I was terrified. I didn’t know if I was going to be taken away or what my end was going to look like,” Taylor recalled.
At just 16 years old, Taylor was crossing Capitol Drive on a cold December evening, carrying a frozen turkey in a brown paper bag to deliver to a neighbor. What should have been an uneventful act of kindness turned into a traumatic encounter when Milwaukee police officers Justin Schwarzhuber and Jasen Rydzewski stopped him, frisked him, and detained him without cause.
Unjustified Stop and Detention
Body camera footage later revealed that, even after confirming that Taylor was simply carrying a turkey, the officers continued to detain and question him. The fear and confusion he felt at that moment were overwhelming.
“All I could do was look back at my house across the street with my porch light still on, knowing my mom didn’t know what was going on,” Taylor said. His mother, former State Senator Lena Taylor, has painful memories of the distressing night. “I remember being in the foyer of the house,” she said. “I remember just holding him for a long time. We just cried together.”
Legal Action Against Police Misconduct
Determined to hold the officers accountable, Isaiah Taylor filed a lawsuit in 2021 against the City of Milwaukee and the officers, citing violations of his constitutional rights. However, a jury initially found the officers not liable, leading Taylor to pursue an appeal in 2023.
This month, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the officers were not entitled to qualified immunity regarding Taylor’s Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. The ruling was a significant victory in his fight for justice.
Attorney Mark Thomsen: “This Was an Unlawful Detention”
Attorney Mark Thomsen of Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs emphasized the blatant violation of his client’s rights.
“If you don’t have reasonable suspicion that someone has committed a crime, you can’t hold them for even a second,” Thomsen stated. “They ran for the warrant check after they both knew it was a turkey. They were just hoping to fish for something so they could arrest another young man.”
The Seventh Circuit Court’s decision has now cleared the way for a new trial, giving Taylor another chance to present his case and seek justice for the unlawful detention he endured.
A Fight for Justice and Financial Compensation
For Isaiah Taylor, this lawsuit isn’t just about financial recovery—it’s about making his voice heard and holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. “To see if the justice system will work for me and not against me—I’m just happy I get to share my story and tell my truth,” he said.
Taylor hopes that his case will bring attention to the broader issue of police misconduct and inspire meaningful change. His fight is not just for himself but for all individuals who have been subjected to unlawful detentions and violations of their constitutional rights.
Mark L. Thomsen: A Personal Injury and Civil Rights Attorney With a Stellar Record
At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, top-rated personal injury and civil rights attorney Mark L. Thomsen has dedicated his legal career to fighting for individuals who have suffered injustice. With extensive experience in both state and federal courts, his practice primarily focuses on personal injury cases, civil rights violations (Section 1983 claims), medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and legal malpractice claims.
Thomsen’s commitment to justice extends beyond litigation. His work is driven by a broader mission to expand access to justice, uphold constitutional rights, and protect individuals’ fundamental freedoms, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Through aggressive negotiation and trial advocacy, he has successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for his clients.
Leadership and Professional Recognition
Mark L. Thomsen is widely respected within the legal community and holds numerous leadership roles and professional affiliations. His achievements have earned him prestigious recognitions, including:
- Past-President and Board of Director of the Wisconsin Association for Justice (WAJ)
- Member of the Wisconsin American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) (2019 to present)
- Super Lawyers (2005 – Present): A distinction awarded to a handful of outstanding attorneys.
- Best Lawyers (2009 – Present): Recognized for excellence in legal practice.
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating: The highest rating for professional ethics and legal ability.
- 2022 WAJ Robert L. Habush Trial Lawyer of the Year
- 2023 Marquette University Law School Alumnus of the Year
- 2023 Milwaukee Bar Association Lawyer of the Year
With a career built on aggressive advocacy, a passion for protecting the rights of individuals, and a formidable record of winning large settlements and verdicts for his clients, Mark L. Thomsen is a powerful force in the pursuit of justice. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 855-954-1186 or contact us online.
