A shocking altercation at a Boca Raton steakhouse has led to a lawsuit that could have significant implications for both the individuals involved and the establishment itself. On April 2, 2025, Richard Feldman filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against David Connell and Meat Market Boca Raton, LLC. The incident has sparked legal action over allegations of assault, battery, negligence, and defamation.
According to the complaint filed by Richard Feldman through his attorneys at The Sasson Law Firm, the events unfolded on March 5, 2025. Feldman visited Meat Market Boca Raton with a friend and was standing at the bar when he was approached by David Connell, a regular patron of the restaurant. Connell allegedly told Feldman to leave the area and then proceeded to physically assault him. "Connell put his hand on Feldman and screamed at him three times," states the complaint. Despite Feldman's attempts to clarify his intentions of merely ordering a drink, Connell's aggression escalated into physical violence. The altercation resulted in severe injuries for Feldman who claims he suffered harm to his head, ribs, legs, arms, and abdomen.
The situation took another turn when Mikaylah Latson, an employee of Meat Market working as a bartender during the incident, provided what Feldman alleges were false statements to law enforcement officers. According to Latson's account given to police—which was later contradicted by surveillance footage—Feldman was portrayed as the aggressor who initiated contact with Connell. This testimony led to Feldman's arrest for battery—a charge he vehemently denies and which he claims has caused him emotional distress and damage to his reputation.
Feldman's lawsuit seeks compensatory damages from both defendants: David Connell for civil assault and battery; and Meat Market Boca Raton for negligence and defamation due to their employee's actions. The complaint argues that Meat Market failed in its duty of care by not reviewing or providing surveillance footage that could have prevented Feldman's wrongful arrest. Furthermore, it holds them vicariously liable for Latson’s alleged false statements made within her scope of employment.
The case is being handled by Jamie A. Sasson and Garrett Kesl from The Sasson Law Firm located in Boca Raton. The Case ID is: 502025CA003134XXXAMB.