Judge denies Seattle new trial in police retaliation case

Published 1:30 am Friday, September 16, 2016

Associated Press

SEATTLE — 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 reported the city had argued that the plaintiffs’ placed unanticipated focus on retaliation at trial. The city also alleged “persistent misconduct” by the plaintiffs’ lawyers.