A D.C. jury found that D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier unlawfully retaliated against a police officer after he and other officers complained that the department’s off-duty reimbursable overtime security detail at Gallery Place was illegal.D.C. Superior Court Associate Judge Franklin Burgess will determine any fines or disciplinary action to be taken against Lanier, who said she will ultimately be vindicated in the matter.
The jury of nine awarded 23-year veteran Sean McLaughlin nearly $13,000 for lost wages and penalties after they said he was wrongfully suspended. The jury identified Lanier, who was then a district commander, as the only official within the department who engaged in the retaliatory conduct. According to the lawsuit, Lanier said the officers would “suffer consequences” for pursuing their claims against the police department over the off-duty jobs.
— Scott McCabe
