Jury in New Orleans crime camera lawsuit finds Dell liable for $12.8 million in damages

New Orleans jury: Dell liable in crime camera suit

NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans jury has found Dell Inc. liable for $12.8 million in damages on unfair trade and conspiracy claims stemming from a lawsuit over New Orleans’ problem-plagued crime camera surveillance program.

Dell attorney Phillip Wittmann says there’s no immediate decision on whether to appeal.

Jurors began deliberating nearly a week ago after more than a month of testimony.

Southern Electronics Supply Inc. and Active Solutions LLC worked on the city’s camera program and claimed the system they had developed had been misappropriated by former technology chief Greg Meffert and others. They also claimed a conspiracy with Dell Inc. to sell the system. They sought $3.6 billion in punitive damages from Dell.

The jury rejected the misappropriation claim and awarded no punitive damages.