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Fort Worth city council recently greenlit significant expenditures to address two whistleblower lawsuits, sparking concerns among some city leaders about the financial implications.
In a recent meeting, the council approved spending up to $2 million to contest a lawsuit brought by former police chief Joel Fitzgerald, while simultaneously agreeing to a settlement of $850,000 in a separate case filed by former city crime lab scientist Trisa Crutcher.
The settlement with Crutcher pertains to her claims of wrongful termination following her reports of various violations of state and federal laws within the city’s crime lab, including mishandling DNA evidence and sexual assault cases.
Meanwhile, Fitzgerald’s lawsuit alleges that he was terminated after reporting to the FBI concerning the city’s lax access controls to the FBI’s online crime database and the improper destruction of public records.
Chris Nettles, a Fort Worth city council member, voiced dissent regarding the decision to allocate substantial funds towards litigation, advocating for settlement instead.
Nettles emphasized the potential financial risks associated with prolonged legal battles, particularly if the outcome does not favor the city.
While some city leaders view these whistleblower lawsuits as indicative of systemic issues requiring reform, the city of Fort Worth maintains its commitment to defending itself against the allegations.
A city spokesperson underscored the city’s dedication to prudent stewardship of taxpayer funds, highlighting the careful consideration given to litigation strategies and settlement negotiations. Despite efforts to resolve the matters through mediation, the parties were unable to reach an agreement, leading to the continuation of litigation proceedings.
Moving forward, the city remains focused on upholding its obligations while navigating the complexities of these legal challenges.