Former Tennessee police officer Maegan Hall has emerged victorious in a civil rights lawsuit against the City of La Vergne, securing a $500,000 settlement. The lawsuit stemmed from a police department sex scandal that rocked the community, involving allegations of inappropriate relationships between Hall and not one, not two, but multiple colleagues.
Reports from two separate investigations conducted last year unveiled evidence of sexual misconduct within the department, leading to the federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Hall.
As previously reported, Hall, 28, made headlines nationwide following revelations of her involvement in intimate encounters with fellow officers, including her supervisor, Sgt. Lewis Powell. Details from the investigations painted a vivid picture of a culture of impropriety within the department, culminating in the legal action taken by Hall against the city. “Maegan Hall was a vulnerable and optimistic 24-year-old woman who had applied to be a police officer in the City of La Vergne,” the lawsuit said. “Where Ms. Hall sought role models at her new job, she instead found predators.” The lawsuit named several individuals, including former Police Chief Burrell “Chip” Davis and Sergeants Lewis Powell and Henry “Ty” McGowan, as defendants, alleging abuse of power and exploitation by those in positions of authority. The findings of the investigation resulted in disciplinary actions, with some officers losing their jobs as a consequence of their involvement in the scandal.
In a special meeting, the La Vergne board voted 3-1 to settle the lawsuit, bringing a resolution to a chapter marred by scandal and controversy. The settlement amount, totaling $500,000, will be paid by the city’s insurance provider, ensuring that taxpayer funds are not utilized for this purpose.
RELATED:Former Officer Pleads Guilty To Dozens Of Murders As ‘The Golden State Killer’
RELATED: Footage Shows Michigan Officer Saving A Baby’s Life Who Was Choking During Traffic Stop
In a statement, the city said, “The La Vergne Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted (Wednesday night) to authorize the mayor to sign a settlement agreement between the City of La Vergne and former police officer Maegan Hall. The agreement was negotiated between the attorney’s representing the City and Hall. The City’s insurance provider will pay the sum of $500,000 to Hall as a gross settlement, which includes court costs, attorneys fees, and expenses. The City denies any admission of liability.”
Halls’ attorneys Clark and Sarah Mansfield hope the settlement sends a message that such conduct shouldn’t be tolerated in the workplace or anywhere.
“I think for Maegan and other females in a male-dominated industry, it’s an unmitigated victory for her and others,” said Mansfield. Halls’ attorney said she knows her career in law enforcement is over. However, Clark added, “There is no admission of guilt by the city, but they did agree that Maegan be paid half a million dollars,” per News Channel 5.
Press Play Below For More:
Source
