Federal Court Jury Awards Former Como Police Chief $50,000 for Racial Discrimination
Last Wednesday a North Mississippi federal court jury awarded $50,000 in emotional distress damages to former Como police chief Cleve Gale. Como fired Gale in 2008 after serving 25 years as chief. The 3–2 vote to terminate Gale was along racial lines with 3 white alderman voting to terminate.
Here is Gale's Complaint. The jury's verdict form indicates that the jury found that race was one motivating factor in the town's decision to fire Gale, but other factors were also involved. Because of this finding, Gale did not recover back pay. Here is the verdict form.
The jury consisted of 7 whites and 1 black.
Jim Waide and Rachel Pierce of Waide & Associates in Tupelo represented the plaintiff. Gary Friedman and Brett Harvey of Phelps Dunbar in Jackson represented the defendant. Judge Michael Mills presided in the case.
