A federal civil rights lawsuit has been initiated against the Kingston Police Department, accusing officers of wrongfully arresting a man for a burglary despite having access to evidence that contradicted his involvement. The plaintiff, James Boykin, was charged in connection with a December 2023 break-in at a neighboring apartment, but court filings allege that investigators disregarded evidence that clearly indicated his innocence.
According to the lawsuit, Ring camera footage from inside the burglarized apartment captured a suspect who was significantly shorter than 6’7″-tall Boykin. Additionally, the lawsuit claims the owner of the apartment remained on good terms with the suspect throughout the investigation, and that video evidence of an alibi was presented to police. The lawsuit indicates these facts were left out of the criminal complaint.
Boykin was arrested, jailed for eight days, and later released, after which repeated adjournments of the case ultimately led to its dismissal.
Boykin’s legal filing states that the arrest and prosecution led to significant personal and financial hardship, including losing his job, being evicted from his home, and suffering health issues.
The case, filed on August 15, 2025, seeks damages under both federal and state law. It alleges false arrest, malicious prosecution, denial of a fair trial, and failure to intervene.
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