By Trendsetter Tribune 
A late-night conversation between two brothers turned into a terrifying nightmare — and now a powerful $5 million lawsuit threatens to expose deep problems inside the Edison Police Department.
According to the lawsuit, former officer Matthew Talavera allegedly assaulted and falsely arrested Carlton Brathwaite during an encounter on October 6, 2023 — leaving him with devastating injuries and lifelong trauma.
Talavera attempted to dismiss the lawsuit using qualified immunity, the legal shield that often protects officers from civil lawsuits. But the effort failed — and the case is now moving forward.
A sudden resignation that raises disturbing questions
Earlier this month, Talavera resigned from the Edison Police Department — an agency long criticized for corruption, dysfunction, and civil rights violations.
The reason for his resignation has not been made public. The lawsuit suggests it may have been an effort to avoid accountability. However, the case continues because the City of Edison is also listed as a defendant.
A beating that nearly cost a life
The complaint describes severe injuries, including:
- fractured skull and hand
- permanent facial scarring
- migraines and chronic pain
- depression, fear, and humiliation
The lawsuit even claims the brutal beating triggered serious medical complications afterward.
A peaceful night turns violent
At the time of the encounter, the Brathwaite brothers were reportedly sitting in their parked car with the engine off, listening to music and talking about their elderly father following their mother’s death.
The lawsuit states they were confronted by Talavera and up to 10 unidentified officers — even though the brothers were not breaking any law.
Carlton was then:
- violently assaulted
- forced to the ground
- struck with a weapon
- jailed and charged with multiple offenses
But every charge was eventually dismissed after prosecutors failed to provide required evidence — including promised body-camera footage.
A judge reportedly said the case didn’t even pass the “smell test.”
Internal report exposes failures
Talavera was suspended 10 days after an internal investigation found he failed to de-escalate, used unnecessary force, and filed a substandard report.
The lawsuit also highlights Edison PD’s long history of lawsuits, misconduct and alleged attempts to conceal wrongdoing.
Why this case matters
If the lawsuit succeeds, it could become a powerful warning about abuse of power, lack of transparency, and the urgent need for accountability.
And this time — resignation won’t make it disappear.