A Michigan man spent three years in prison for a crime he insists he did not commit, and now he’s fighting back. Frankie Jermaine Davis has filed a lawsuit against several Detroit police officers, alleging that his wrongful conviction was the result of fabricated evidence and malicious prosecution. The complaint was filed on February 17, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against defendants Jamal Jackson, Darryl Stewart, Davis Crenshaw, Timothy Shank, James O’Shea, and Keith Nightingale.
The case stems from an incident on January 12, 2018, when Davis was present at a residence during a police raid. Officers found a firearm and marijuana at the scene and charged Davis with felon in possession of a firearm among other offenses. According to the complaint, there was no evidence linking Davis to the firearm or suggesting he had any control over it. The plaintiff argues that his medical marijuana card indicated he did not reside at the house where the raid occurred. Despite this lack of evidence, Davis was arrested and convicted based on what he claims were false statements made by officers captured on bodycam footage.
Davis’s conviction was eventually overturned by the Michigan Court of Appeals in April 2025 due to insufficient evidence proving possession of the firearm. The court highlighted that circumstantial evidence must allow reasonable inferences rather than speculation. They noted that no proof existed showing Davis’s knowledge or control over the weapon found during the raid.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of several violations under 42 U.S.C. §1983 including continued detention without probable cause and malicious prosecution under false pretenses. It further alleges gross negligence under Michigan law due to reckless conduct leading to Davis’s wrongful arrest and conviction. “Defendants knowingly fabricated evidence,” reads one part of the complaint detailing how Officer Jackson falsely claimed that Davis admitted ownership of the home where contraband was discovered.
Davis seeks compensatory damages covering both economic losses such as legal fees incurred during his defense as well as non-economic damages like emotional distress caused by years spent unjustly incarcerated. Additionally sought are punitive damages aimed at deterring similar misconduct by law enforcement officials in future cases.
Representing Frankie Jermaine Davis is Akeel & Valentine PLC with attorneys Shereef H. Akeel (P54345), Samuel R Simkins (P81210), Emad R Hamadeh (P86849) spearheading this civil rights litigation effort from their Troy office location while presiding over proceedings will be Judge MAG-DRG handling Case No:26-10544
Source: 226cv10544_Frankie_Jermaine_v_Jamal_Jackson_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
