In what lawyers described as a “groundbreaking” decision, the Office of the New York City Comptroller has settled a lawsuit for $6.4 million without even getting the city’s legal department involved – and with good reason. David Ranta, 58, filed a $150 million lawsuit last year after serving 23 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. Ranta was convicted based on the flawed work of retired detective Louis Scarcella, whose 50 murder cases are being reviewed following allegations that he coerced witnesses and invented confessions. “This settlement is in the best interests of all parties and closes the door on a truly regrettable episode in our city’s history,” Comptroller Scott Stringer said on Thursday. “I am pleased that my office was able to move quickly on this case.”
