Former Interim Police Chief Sues Golden Valley, Claims Discrimination

GOLDEN VALLEY, MN — Golden Valley’s former interim police chief is suing the city in federal court, alleging he was subjected to defamation and racial discrimination during the search for the police department’s permanent leader, according to reports.

Scott Nadeau was selected for the interim position in 2021 and encouraged to seek the permanent job, KSTP reported, adding he was among the two finalists, along with Virgil Green, who was eventually hired as chief.

Nadeau is white and Green is Black, according to the Star Tribune, which reported the department suffered high turnover and resistance to equity training. By March 2022, tension was rising as residents attempted to campaign for their finalist of choice, according to the Tribune. Mayor Shep Harris endorsed Green and the police union endorsed Nadeau, KSTP reported.

Harris accused one of the finalists of intervening in the process and trying to influence those involved in the hiring, allegations Nadeau has asserted are defamatory, the Tribune reported. Harris also sought a probe of racism within the department, according to the Tribune, which reported Nadeau then resigned and dropped out of the race.

“The City disputes Mr. Nadeau’s claims and will aggressively defend this lawsuit,” Golden Valley said in a statement, which specified the city does not hire based on race and which was published in full by KSTP.

“… The City took multiple steps to make sure the Police Chief hiring process was fair and the best candidate was hired for the position. Mr. Nadeau publicly stated that the Police Chief search process was ‘transparent, community-centered and community-involved,’ and that intimidation and racism had not been factors.”