Whistleblower Lawsuit Exposes Detroit Police Overtime Scam

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In a recent turn of events within the Detroit Police Department, Lieutenant Lori Pierce has filed a whistleblower lawsuit, shedding light on an alleged overtime scam implicating members of a special unit. Pierce’s lawsuit, filed by attorneys from the Deborah Gordon Law firm, accuses the department and certain officials of retaliation, harassment, and fostering a hostile work environment.

The lawsuit, lodged in Detroit U.S. District Court, targets the Detroit Police Department, Assistant Police Chief Charles Fitzgerald, Sgt. Scott Barrick, and Lt. James Cashion as defendants. Lt. Pierce, a veteran officer with nearly three decades of service, asserts that she faced backlash after attempting to expose fraudulent overtime practices.

Pierce’s journey within the Detroit Police Department dates back to 1993 when she started as an officer and subsequently rose to the rank of lieutenant in 2000. As the overseer of the Third Precinct, Pierce had access to officers’ time records, enabling her to uncover discrepancies in overtime reporting within the Special Operations Unit.

The lawsuit alleges that certain members of the department, including high-ranking officials like Cashion and Barrick, were involved in a scheme to inflate reported work hours, resulting in unjustified payments for unworked hours. Notably, the lawsuit implicates a close relationship between these officers and Assistant Police Chief Fitzgerald, whose son is part of the special operations unit.

According to the lawsuit, Pierce reported the fraudulent activities to the Internal Affairs unit and provided evidence such as video footage and GPS locations to substantiate her claims. However, instead of commendation, Pierce faced repercussions. Her efforts led to complaints against her, alleging that her inquiries created a hostile work environment.

In a surprising turn, Pierce found herself suspended for two days following these complaints, marking the first disciplinary action in her extensive career. Subsequently, she faced another suspension, this time for 30 days, as a result of the investigation into the reported time fraud.

Pierce’s attorneys argue that these suspensions have not only tarnished her reputation but also constitute discrimination for her efforts in exposing violations of law or regulation within the department. While Cashion and Barrick received three-day suspensions, Pierce contends that her punishments were unduly harsh compared to the leniency shown towards others involved.

As the legal battle unfolds, Pierce’s case stands as a testament to the challenges faced by whistleblowers within law enforcement agencies. It raises crucial questions about accountability, transparency, and the treatment of those who dare to speak out against wrongdoing.

The outcome of this lawsuit will not only impact the future of Lt. Lori Pierce but also potentially reshape the culture of accountability within the Detroit Police Department. As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting whistleblowers and upholding integrity within law enforcement institutions.