Federal civil rights trial to begin in case against Prince George's County

GREENBELT, MD, September 15, 2025 – A federal civil rights trial that could set an important accountability precedent for law enforcement in Prince George’s County is set to begin Monday, September 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

Mohamed Magassouba, a former decorated officer who served the department from 2009 to 2021, brings claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and related federal civil rights statutes alleging systematic discrimination based on race and national origin, as well as severe retaliation after he refused to falsify testimony about a White officer’s use of force against a Black female civilian.

The federal court's ruling on the motion for summary judgment found sufficient evidence for Mr. Magassouba's claims to proceed to trial, where a jury will determine the facts of the case. Justly Prudent's managing attorney, Jordan D. Howlette, will be representing Mr. Magassouba at trial.

Case Information

• Case: Mohamed Magassouba v. Prince George's County, MD, et al.

• Case No.: 8:23-cv-00767

• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

• Location: Courtroom 1A, 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770

Trial Schedule

• Opening: Monday, September 22, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. EST

• Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (September 23 – October 3, 2025)

• Expected Duration: 7-10 days

• Public Access: The trial is open to the public. Seating is limited and subject to courthouse security procedures.

Public Interest

The trial comes at a pivotal moment for Prince George’s County, as newly elected County Executive Aisha Braveboy has initiated significant leadership changes, including the appointment of George Nader as the new Police Chief, replacing former Chief Malik Aziz. These changes occur against the backdrop of the County’s troubling history with discrimination lawsuits, including a $2.3 million settlement in 2021 with the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association over similar discrimination claims within the police department. In addition to the $2.3 million settlement payment split between the plaintiffs, the County paid $5 million to the attorneys representing plaintiffs and $17 million for legal fees incurred by Venable, the private law firm that represented the County.

Trial Open to Public

Members of the public, civil rights advocates, and media are welcome to attend the trial, subject to courtroom capacity and security requirements. Media representatives are advised to arrive early due to limited seating.

For media-related inquiries, please contact Ethel Mwedziwendira, Principal, EP Studio, LLC | pr@ethelpr.com | (469) 952-4980

Disclaimer: This release contains information from public court records. The allegations in the complaint remain to be proven at trial. All parties are presumed to act in good faith unless and until proven otherwise by competent evidence.