Police Officer wins Lawsuit against Department

March 18, 2009

Orange County --- Newport Beach police Sgt. Neil Harvey was awarded $1.2 million in damages Tuesday regarding his suit against the department for mistreating him.

The orange County jury believed Harvey’s claims that there had been false rumors that he was gay in the department and that he was turned down for promotions because he had reported the misconducts of his fellow officers.

The 27-year department veteran also maintains that he is more experienced compared to others who were promoted and that their former police chief simply would not promote those who he thinks is gay.

Harvey’s attorney was very pleased with the jury’s decision and announced that his client would be going back to work.

Police Chief John Klein expressed his relief that the trial is over and they could concentrate again on their duties as law enforcers.