Civil Trial Begins For Fajita Gate

June 1 - KGO (KGO) -- Four years ago "fajitagate" made headlines. The criminal case is long over, now, the civil trial begins.

The story thrust Alex Fagan Jr., the son of former Police Chief Alex Fagan Sr., into the public spotlight. Fagan Jr. and two other officers were acquitted of criminal charges for fighting with the two men, Jade Santoro and Adam Snyder. Yet Snyder says he still suffers from anxiety and fears retaliation.

Snyder's attorney John Scott: "The suit is ultimately about vindication."

Snyder and Santoro are suing their three adversaries in civil court for damages they suffered from the brawl. The police chief and eight other high ranking officers were indicted but later cleared in the highly publicized case. Santoro and Snyder say they're still victims four years later. Snyder's lawyer says his client suffers from anxiety and fears that someday he may be the target of retaliation.

There are police officers in this town who do not consider Mr. Snyder to be a friend or someone they want to help. All three officers were eventually acquitted on the criminal charges stemming from the incident.

Lee's attorney Essa Michael: "So they had full adjudication and they were vindicated in the criminal proceedings."

Snyder's attorney: "Remember OJ Simpson. He was acquitted of murder but later lost his fight in civil court. I think the public is very well aware of the significant difference between the burden of proof of a criminal case which is beyond a reasonable doubt and a civil case which is only a prepondernce of evidence."

Matt Tonsing is the only defendant who's still on the police force. Fagan and Lee left after failing to complete their training. Synder now runs night clubs in the San Francisco. Santoro is in construction.

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