Former officer suing city, claims he was terminated without cause

Former Blytheville police officer Rodney Richardson is suing Chief Ross Thompson and the city of Blytheville, claiming he was terminated without just cause.

Filed by attorney Jim Harris on Tuesday afternoon, the suit says Richardson was terminated on Nov. 17, 2015, after being placed on administrative leave with pay on Sept. 3, 2015.

The suit says Richardson's employment records show he was relieved of his duties for "improper conduct," but doesn't specify the action.

"Plaintiff did absolutely nothing which would justify his termination from employment as a police officer for the City of Blytheville," the suit says.

Richardson's previous termination with the department, for allegedly abusing sick leave in December 2012, was overturned by the Blytheville City Council, which has been the appeals board for police and fire since dissolving the Civil Service Commission in December 2007.

The suit says Richardson attempted to appeal his second termination on Dec. 15, 2015, but the hearing was not held because of scheduling conflicts.

"A hearing was then set for March 21, 2016, but instead of having an appeals hearing, the mayor and city council chose to go into executive session and deny Mr. Richardson any meaningful hearing before the Appeals Board," the suit reads.

Human Resources director Judy Andrews is also a member of the appeals board, but isn't allowed by law in executive session.

Richardson claims the city hasn't allowed his request to reset the hearing and that he was terminated without just cause.

"Plaintiff has been denied a meaningful, timely hearing to contest his termination," the suit reads. "Defendant has failed to provide a viable procedure for contesting an improper termination of employment, even though they knew they had the duty to do so by adopting rules and regulations governing the 'appeal' process. Defendant has shown a complete disregard for the due process rights of the City's police officers and firemen, and Plaintiff in particular, by its failure to act when it had a duty to so act."

The suit says allegations leading to his termination were false and insufficient to justify Richardson losing his job.

"The allegations against (Richardson) which led to Defendant Thompson terminating his employment were known by Defendant Thompson to be false," the suit said. "By failing to take any action to overturn Defendant Thompson's wrongful termination of Plaintiff, the City has condoned and ratified Defendant Thompson's wrongful conduct. The termination of Plaintiff was publicized locally and became well known throughout the community. Plaintiff has been defamed by the actions of Defendant Thompson and the failure of the City and its Appeal Board to overturn Defendant Thompson's actions should be seen as condoning and ratifying Defendant Thompson's defamation of Plaintiff."

Richardson is seeking damages of lost earnings, damage to his reputation, mental anguish and "a reasonable sum certain for the deprivation of his constitutional rights."

He is asking for punitive damages and attorneys fees.

Richardson requests a jury trial, according to the suit.

Thompson declined comment on the litigation.

mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com