Who was Alton H. Maddox Jr.? Famed civil rights attorney dies aged 77

Alton H. Maddox Jr. was an American lawyer who was involved in several high-profile civil rights cases in the 1980s. He was born on July 21, 1945 and died on April 23, 2023 aged 77.

Maddox had a lengthy legal career that included fighting for the Black community in New York City.

His most notable cases included:

• Representing the family of Michael Stewart, a Brooklyn man who died while in custody of the New York City Transit Police.

Though six officers were indicted for Stewart’s death, none was found guilty. Rudy Giuliani, then US Attorney in Manhattan, found insufficient evidence to warrant a federal grand jury investigation.

However, a Metropolitan Transportation Authority report later faulted police for use of excessive force.

• Representing Tawana Brawley during the period of her rape allegations. Maddox, Al Sharpton, and C. Vernon Mason accused Assistant District Attorney Steven Pagones of abducting and raping Brawley. A grand jury did not charge Pagones.
• Representing Al Sharpton when Sharpton faced a 67-count indictment alleging fraud and theft. Sharpton was acquitted of all charges.

Maddox was married to married to Leola W. Maddox, his wife of many years until her death in 2017.

He is survived by a son.