SEATTLE (AP) - A judge has denied the city of Seattle’s motion for a new trial after jurors awarded two police officers about $3 million in a retaliation lawsuit.
Last month a King County jury found Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole retaliated against veteran sergeant Ella Elias and precinct commander Capt. David Proudfoot. They argued they were unfairly punished amid a dispute about overtime pay.
The jury awarded $1.9 million to Elias and $932,000 to Proudfoot, as well as attorney and court fees. A third officer, Lt. Steve Strand, did not receive an award.
King County Superior Court Judge William Downing on Thursday denied the city’s motion for a new trial or a reduced judgment amount.
KING-TV in Seattle reports (https://goo.gl/tuFrqI ) the city had argued that the plaintiffs’ placed unanticipated focus on retaliation at trial. The city also alleged “persistent misconduct” by the plaintiffs’ lawyers.
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Information from: KING-TV, https://www.king5.com/
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