Judge Recused Himself From Lecki Lawsuit
The Los Angeles Superior Court case against Caruso Management Co. Ltd. has been transferred for reassignment.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Judge Jeffery D. McFarland has recused himself from a lawsuit filed by Peter Lecki against Caruso Management Co. Ltd. The case has been moved to Judge Lawrence P. Riff for further reassignment.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centers on claims of civil rights violations, negligence, and false arrest stemming from a 2023 security encounter. Legal proceedings will now continue under a new judicial assignment in Los Angeles.
The amended complaint, which includes three photographic exhibits, was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The matter is now undergoing reassignment to Judge Lawrence P. Riff.
The players
Peter Lecki
He is the plaintiff in the lawsuit and a resident of San Mateo County.
Caruso Management Co. Ltd.
The company is the primary defendant named in the civil rights and negligence lawsuit.
Jeffery D. McFarland
He is the Los Angeles Superior Court judge who recused himself from the legal proceedings.
Lawrence P. Riff
He is the judge to whom the case has been transferred for reassignment.
The details
Peter Lecki alleges he was battered and falsely detained by a security guard during a March 2023 book signing at The Grove. His lawsuit asserts the guard falsely accused him of battery, a claim he states is contradicted by footage from his body-worn camera.
Timeline
March 22, 2023: The incident occurred at The Grove during a book signing.
March 2025: Peter Lecki originally brought the lawsuit against the management company.
June 3, 2026: An amended complaint was filed by the plaintiff.
September 28, 2026: Judge Jeffery D. McFarland recused himself from the case.
Legal Context
The judge's recusal follows the procedural requirements established by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 170.1. This action mirrors standard judicial conduct protocols designed to maintain neutrality in civil litigation.
The transfer of this case to a new judge ensures that the civil rights allegations against the management company remain under judicial oversight. Residents following the case should monitor court dockets for updates on future hearing dates.
The takeaway
Judicial recusals are standard mechanisms used to ensure the impartiality of the court system in civil disputes. The progression of this case will continue once the new judge has been formally assigned to manage the litigation.
Further reading
For more information on local judicial procedures, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
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