SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - A former
Springfield Police sergeant filed a lawsuit in federal court Monday seeking
$1.85 million and his old job back after he says he faced retaliation for
blowing the whistle on possible corruption and sexual misconduct in the
department.
Sgt. John Umenhofer says his
29-year career with the Springfield Police came to an end when he tried to
return from medical leave and refused jobs as a janitor or librarian.
He says the medical leave was a
result of damage to his health from intimidation and retaliation he experienced
after trying to report possible corruption in the department.
Umenhofer is represented by Christoner
Lundberg and Matthew E. Malmsheimer from Portland law firm Haglund Kelley LLP.
The complaint alleges sexual
misconduct by Springfield Police employees in department vehicles; the police
station; and a judge's chambers. It also alleges efforts to cover up possible
problems with an officer involved in a fatal-shooting of an unarmed teenager.
Umenofer's allegations came to
light after Police Chief Jerry Smith retired suddenly from the department in
March 2013. In June 2013, the public learned a video of Smith kissing a
subordinate had been mailed to the City of Springfield and state officials
before Smith retired.
Umenhofer claims the department
violated his civil rights and rights under whistleblower statutes. The lawsuit
names City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Police Chief Tim Doney and the City of
Springfield as defendants.
The City of Springfield issued
the following statement in response to the lawsuit:
"The majority of the allegations in Mr.
Umenhofer’s lawsuit – some more than a decade old – have already been
investigated.
"We deny Mr. Umenhofer’s allegations that
the city discriminated against him based on his alleged psychological
disability. We also deny his claims of
retaliation.
"Our legal counsel has
instructed us not to provide additional details at this time. We look forward
to responding to the allegations in court.
"The Springfield Police Department will
continue to provide high quality service to our community."
