Police Union activist wins $2.5 million verdict in retaliation case
Background
Elyria police officer Hetzel See, sued the Elyria Police Department for firing him. See had gone to the FBI to alert them to corrupt practices he believed were occurring within the department. After that, the Elyria Police Chief persuaded an informant to record See. See was recorded making disparaging remarks about the police chief. The Chief used that recording to fire See.
Approach & Resolution
Friedman, Gilbert+Gerhardstein attorney Terry Gilbert argued that See’s termination was retaliatory for him going to the FBI, even though he has a right to do that and express his grievances. A jury found See’s First Amendment right to speak out on matters of public interest was violated and awarded him $500,000 in compensatory damages. Because the Chief’s conduct was seen as outrageous and malicious, See also won $2 million in punitive damages from the City.
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