In the weeks since the Woodmere case has been decided, I've had a chance to look back at some of the documents and moments leading up to the trial. As you might recall from last week's post, Chief LaMont Lockhart was awarded more than $2 million for his federal retaliation claim against Mayor Yolanda Broadie and the village of Woodmere. The case dated back to 2005 when Lockhart, Woodmere's black police chief accused Broadie, Woodmere's black mayor, of discriminating against white employees.After blowing the whistle on the village government, Lockhart claimed the mayor treated him like dirt -- writing up negative reviews of jobs that he'd never done, taking away his patrol car, and suspending him for forgetting to sign in and out of work. Eventually, work got so bad that he had to quit.A month later, he filed an EEOC complaint againt the mayor --and won.
With all these details, it seems strange that Woodmere would deign to take the case to trial. It gets even worse. According to recently filed papers, It turns out that Woodmere rejected at least three settlement offers prior to the trial. All these offers, by the way, were at least $1.5 million less than the final jury judgment! Timeline: November 13, 2007-- Lockhart’s legal counsel say they would accept a $50,000 settlement award.
Woodmere never bothers to respond.
June 20, 2008—Lockhart’s attorneys ask for $225,000 in damages and $187,500 in attorney’s fees. Additionally, the mayor would be required to write letter of apology to Lockhart and village officials would be forced to attend 8 hours diversity training.
Woodmere responds with a one sentence letter, stating: “It has been decided that no settlement offer will be forthcoming at this time.”
November 13, 2008— Woodmere counsel finally agrees to look at settlement offers, but tells Lockhart’s attorneys that, in their mind, “[Lockhart's] economic loss consists of a wage loss claim for the three day suspension of $634.62 and $120.58 in employer matching PERS contributions."
December 15, 2008 -- After just three and a half hours of deliberation,the jury awards Lockhart $2 million in damages. "The evidence showed that Broadie engaged in a pattern of harassment, including unreasonable requests and actions," the jury foreman Chuck Niles said.
December 29,2008 --In the final settlement papers, Lockhart's attorneys summarize the case and reference my (amazing) testimony. (Glad at least someone appreciates me!).
January 2, 2008-- Becky has a beef. The prosecution wins $2 million and, yet, no one will reimburse me the $15 dollars I spent on parking fees. Sigh.
