While the gay bashing was totally uncalled for and the officer’s transfer from media relations to skid row was obviously related to his being a homosexual, I have to agree with the two LA councilmen that the $1.5 million settlement was unwarranted.
GAY LAPD OFFICER’S HARASSMENT LAWSUIT SETTLED FOR $1.5 MILLION
By Rick Orlov
Los Angeles Daily News
January 15, 2013
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved a $1.5 million settlement in a case involving a gay police officer who alleged he was the victim of harassment and retaliation by a supervisor.
Sgt. Ronald Crump, who will resign from the department as part of the settlement, filed the complaint in 2009 after he was ordered transferred from the media relations section and after he said his supervisor, Lt. John Romero, made derogatory remarks about his sexuality.
Crump worked in the media relations section from December 2008 through July 2009, when he was transferred to Skid Row.
He filed a complaint with the LAPD's Professional Standards Bureau, but no action was taken.
Councilman Dennis Zine, who joined Councilman Bernard Parks in opposing the settlement in a 9-2 vote, said he didn't believe the payment was justified.
"This sends the wrong message to the department and the public," Zine said. "I don't think this is an appropriate expenditure just for some comments made to him."
Crump's attorney is Greg Smith, who is running for city attorney.
"This judgment came down some time ago and the city decided to settle," Smith said.
At one point, Crump offered to settle for $100,000 if he could be transferred to the Hollywood Division. That proposal was rejected.
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