Medina Former Police Chief Jeffrey Chen Could Be Reinstated In Lieu of $1.65M in Damages

Medina ex-police chief Jeffrey Chen could get his old job back, instead of the city paying $1.65 million in future damages that a federal jury awarded him this week in his bias suit that claimed that race played a role in his expulsion, according to an agreement reached this week.

In a court hearing on Wednesday, attorneys for Chen and the city of Medina (just south of Kirkland) agreed that instead of the front pay damages, the city could opt to reinstate Chen in his position. Medina's current police chief is Mark D. Thomas, formerly of the Washington State Patrol.

The city also advised its residents on Wednesday that it is exploring its legal options, including an appeal.

A jury of four men and four women in U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly's courtroom on Tuesday decided that in April 2011. 

The jury awarded Chen $2 million, including $285,000 in back pay, $1.65 million in "front pay" from his loss of income from his inability to find employment in law enforcement, and $100,000 in emotional damages. The jury also said that Hanson must pay $25,000 in punitive damages. 

Chen's attorney Marianne Jones made the argument that Hanson was racist against Chen, and treated him with suspicion and differently from other employees, culminating in his firing in 2011. 

Attorney Suzanne Michael, representing Hanson and the city of Medina, argued that Chen abused his power at the city and tried to undermine Hanson, who fired Chen after he used another employee's login information to get access to all the city emails.

The city, in an email to residents on Wednesday, said that they have not ruled out an appeal.

"We are disappointed by the jury’s verdict based on the evidence presented.  We took the necessary actions to serve the best interests of our citizens and our city, and we plan to review our legal options, including a potential appeal," the email said.

"This has been, and continues to be, a long, difficult process for our city’s small and dedicated staff, all of whom have worked extremely hard to provide an immense amount of information to the court while still serving the needs of our residents.  While it is unfortunate that this isn’t over, we look forward to moving beyond this issue once justice has been served," the email continued.

Also at issue is the amount of back pay for all of Chen's claims. The parties agreed that the Court will determine the amount of back pay for all of Chen's federal claims, according to a court update.

Zilly will hold an in-court hearing 10 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2013.

Previous coverage:

• Ex-Medina Police Chief Jeffrey Chen Wins $2M Bias Lawsuit Against City of Medina (March 26, 2013)
• Medina Defense Says Ex-Police Chief Blocked Email Investigation (March 13, 2013)
• Medina Ex-Police Chief's Racial Bias Lawsuit Starts in Federal Court (March 11, 2013)
• Ousted Medina Police Chief Charges Racism in Lawsuit Against City (Jan. 13, 2012)
• Medina Residents Pressure Council Over Police Chief Firing (June 14, 2011)
• Medina City Council Takes Heat Over Police Chief's Firing (May 10, 2011)
• Medina Releases Documents On Chief Jeffrey Chen's Termination (April 29, 2011)
• Medina Names Lt. Dan Yourkoski Acting Police Chief (April 29, 2011)
• Medina Police Chief Jeffrey Chen Fired (April 28, 2011)
•  (Jan. 21, 2011)