November 5, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Police Sergeant Sues City, Citing Wrongfully Denied Promotions

A Los Angeles police sergeant sued the city Thursday, alleging he was denied promotions in retaliation for taking time off to fulfill military obligations.

Sgt. Chad Lewis’ Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit alleges retaliation and discrimination based on military status. He is seeking unspecified damages.

A representative for the City Attorney’s Office could not be immediately reached for comment.

The suit states that Lewis is a reserve member of the military reserve forces and is assigned to the LAPD’s West Valley station. In January 2016, his supervisor, Lt. Kirk Kelley, wrote Lewis an email stating that he was being denied time off to take part in military service because he “must recognize that the LAPD is his primary employment,” according to the complaint.

Lewis says he gave Kelley information, available on the LAPD website, that outlined his right to be excused from work for military duty and to not be discriminated against because of his service obligations.

Kelley relented, but told Lewis, “If you’re going to waive this (military rights) information at me, we need to talk about your work ethic,” according to the complaint.

That same month, Kelley and then-West Valley Capt. Paul Vernon were among those who interviewed the plaintiff as he sought a promotion from sergeant 1 to sergeant 2, according to the plaintiff. Lewis was denied the position even though he had more seniority and was more qualified than others given the job, the suit alleges.

In May and June 2016, Lewis took two weeks off for military training. During that time, Vernon announced that Lewis’ grade as a sergeant wes being reduced to one that offered him less priority concerning scheduling and assignments, according to the lawsuit.

Vernon and a West Valley captain also denied Lewis a coveted “complaint sergeant” position that is generally considered a path to promotion, the suit states. Lewis’ background made him better suited for the post than the person selected, according to his court papers, which also say he was given a “frivolous” comment sheet criticizing his work performance.

“I’m getting a hard time over my military,” Lewis complained to one of his captains, according to his lawsuit.

Lewis was repeatedly denied requests to work holidays and earn overtime wages, even though he was the senior sergeant on his shift, the suit states.

Lewis was hospitalized on May 13 for stress related to the LAPD’s alleged discriminatory practices and has not returned to duty, according to his court papers.

Related Posts

Election Day Freebies and Discounts: Where to Eat, Drink, and Watch Election Results

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

From Free Doughnuts To Watch Parties, How To Unwind With Election Night Deals With this election day being one of...

Early Morning Call From Community Leads to Burglary Arrest in Culver City

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Police Respond To Suspicious Activity Call, Arrest Suspect With Pickaxe Culver City police arrested a man early Friday morning in...

Culver City Police Department is Prepared to Ensure Community Safety During Election Week

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Enhanced Patrols, Activated Emergency Center Ready, Culver City Voting Center is Open The Culver City Police Department has announced an...

Legendary Music Icon Quincy Jones Dies at 91 in Bel Air

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Celebrated Musician, Producer Leaves an Indelible Legacy By Dolores Quintana Legendary musician, music producer, film and television producer, composer of...

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Lays Off Longtime Archive and Library Staff

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Downsizing and Restructuring Continue, Affecting Employees with Decades of Service By Dolores Quintana Last week, the Academy of Motion Picture...

LA County Opens 526 New Vote Centers for Early Voting, Announces Conditional Voting for Unregistered Residents

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Metro LA Offers Free Rides on Election Day to Help Residents Get to the Polls Los Angeles County opened an...

New Aviation/Century Station Opens, Linking Metro’s C and K Lines

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Metro’s Newest Station Paves the Way for Future LAX Transit Center The new Aviation/Century Station officially opened this week, marking...

H5N1 Detected in LA County Wastewater, Health Officials Urge Precautions for Residents

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Los Angeles County Investigates Low-Level H5 Avian Flu Detected in Wastewater The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is...

Two Events in Culver City This Weekend: Bike Registration and Dance Performance

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

Put the Brakes on Bicycle Theft and Enjoy an Evening of Dance and Interactive Art The Culver City Police Department...

All You Need to Know to Attend the Dodgers Victory Parade Tomorrow in DTLA

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

World Champions and LA’s Team to Greet Angelenos After Win of NY Yankees The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that their...

Beverly Hills City Government Agrees to a Stipulated Judgment After Blocking Abortion Clinic Opening

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

City to Implement Training, Oversight on Reproductive Rights Following Legal Settlement  California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a legal agreement...

Dia De Los Muertos 2024: Here’s Where To Celebrate The Holiday Tradition This Weekend

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Los Angeles Has a Variety of Ways to Explore Latino Culture and Honor Ancestors Starting just after Halloween, Dia de...

(Video) Downtown L.A. Reacts to World Series Victory

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

The Dodgers Are World Series Champs For The Eighth Time https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFtyDDKn/

Halloween Pre-Game Party Brings Chills and Spooky Thrills to The Rose Venice

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Enjoy Halloween With Festive Cocktails, Appetizers, and a Costume Contest The Rose Venice in Venice is set to host a...

(Video) Something About Her’s First Tea Time Was a Big Hit

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

The Next Date is November Third. Beautiful vibes, deciduous food and drink. Don’t miss it. @Something About Her @culvercitywlanews Something...