Mayor Settles for $450K against Olmsted Falls Police After False Arrest and Malicious Prosecution
Charges were in retaliation for Mayor’s efforts to reform police department.
Background
Ann Marie Donegan, the former Mayor of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, created a commission to review policies and procedures to reform her city’s police department. The commission was examining how to improve officer training and professional supervision. In retaliation, the police chief and a lieutenant withheld and falsified evidence in a domestic violence case involving Donegan’s son. Donegan’s mother had called police to report a loud argument between Donegan and her 11-year-old son. Donegan was charged with domestic violence and aggravated menacing. Evidence showed Gilles and Battaglia conspired to push for Donegan's prosecution, despite knowing that criminal charges were not warranted.
Approach & Resolution
The charge that resulted from this incident was promptly dismissed as being unfounded. With representation from FG+G partner Terry Gilbert, Donegan reached a settlement agreement with the city's insurance company, U.S. Specialty Insurance, during mediation. The settlement is for Donegan's "unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution," the agreement says. Donegan and her son suffered civil rights violations and emotional distress, the agreement says.