This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Ex-Chief in Dormont Sues Borough, Officials

Former Police Chief Phil Ross filed a lawsuit today, claiming defamation, breach of contract, and civil conspiracy were at play in two demotions he received this year.

Former Dormont Police Chief filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court today against the Borough of Dormont and some of its officials, seeking reinstatement, financial restitution and punitive damages.

The lawsuit, filed by Ross and his wife Michele, implicates the Borough of Dormont, Borough Manager Gino Rizza, borough labor attorney Christopher Gabriel, and five council members: Kim Lusardi, Laurie Malka, Eugene Barilla, Drew Lehman and Heather Schmidt.

In his complaint, Ross says the borough and its officials violated due process and the whilstleblower act. The suit also alleges counts of defamation, official oppression, age discrimination, civil conspiracy, wrongful use of civil proceedings, breach of contract and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Council from Police Chief to Sergeant in March of this year, citing inefficient management of police scheduling and failure to submit expenses for pre-approval, among other things. , that time to patrolman.

Ross’ complaint says he received a letter explaining that the second demotion resulted from removing or disabling GPS units in police cars. Ross claims he removed the devices only after receiving an order to do so from Mayor Tom Lloyd, who told him citizens were able to access the tracking devices and ordered Ross to remove them.

, and in late July from Chief to Sergeant. , however, and it is now in the hands of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?