• 04
  • August
    2010

Bell, California was in the news again last week after a former police sergeant filed a retaliation lawsuit against the city and officials, who he claimed forced him to retire early. Bell made headlines earlier this month after it was discovered that six of its top officials received six-figure paychecks. Three of those officials resigned following public outcry.

In the lawsuit filed last week, James Corcoran claims that he was told by city manager Robert Rizzo and police chief Mike Chavez to halt an investigation into charges filed against former city building inspector Eric Eggena.

In 2009, Eggena was accused of using the office he was appointed to for his own financial gain. Corcoran claims that his investigation would have led to official charges of graft. Meanwhile, Eggena has since become the police administrator for Bell.

Corcoran also claims that he reported Rizzo for alleged "sexual advances" towards a secretary, including several attempts to sexually assault her. In late 2009, Corcoran was demoted from detective sergeant to patrol sergeant and, later, put on paid leave for "insubordination."

Humiliated, Corcoran claims he to have had the option of retiring early or being fired. He opted for retirement.

In his lawsuit, he asks the city to restore his credentials as a police sergeant. He is also asking for compensation to cover income and benefit losses, medical expenses, and damages stemming from emotional distress and mental suffering.

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