Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Scores $779 Million Verdict for Black Family

December 19, 2025

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump secured a $779. 3 million wrongful death verdict for Kimberly Butler, whose husband Lewis was killed during a 2023 armed robbery while working as a security guard at a Florida internet café. The case revealed that café operators had concealed a prior robbery in which a firearm was stolen—the same weapon later used to murder Butler as he protected a cashier—allegedly because they were running illegal gambling operations.

Who is affected

Kimberly Butler (widow of Lewis Butler)
Lewis Butler (51-year-old security guard, deceased)
Fortune MGT 2023 LLC (café operator held liable)
Manish Kumar Patel (café operator held liable)
Black workers and marginalized communities facing negligence
Black Press of America (recipient of Crump's support)

What action is being taken

Ben Crump is pursuing collection of the judgment through garnishments and liens on property and bank accounts
Kimberly Butler is working to get internet gambling cafés shut down

Why it matters

This verdict challenges a system that has historically treated negligence toward Black workers as acceptable business practice and demonstrates accountability for employers who prioritize concealing illegal activities over worker safety. The nearly $780 million award arrives during a time when federal civil rights enforcement has weakened, making such legal victories increasingly critical for obtaining justice for marginalized communities. The case also highlights the dangers created when businesses operating illegal enterprises fail to report crimes that endanger employees.

What's next

Crump plans to pursue compensation through attaching garnishments and liens to property and bank accounts of those found responsible. Kimberly Butler intends to continue efforts to shut down internet gambling cafés.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint