Jennifer Knight Lawsuit
Jennifer Knight Lawsuit
Jennifer Knight Lawsuit
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Robert Clark
City of Columbus
c/o Zach Klein, Esq.
77 North Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215,
and
Ned Pettus
City of Columbus
c/o Zach Klein, Esq.
77 North Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215,
Defendants
Plaintiff, by and through counsel, for her verified complaint, states as follows:
Introduction
1. The Defendants are trying to force Plaintiff to resign and/or fabricate a case of
misconduct against her to justify termination of her employment because she has been an
outspoken critic of Defendants’ unlawful, racist, and corrupt policies and practices. In
discriminatory and disparate treatment including, but not limited to, subjecting her to
without any individualized suspicion. This Court must act immediately and decisively to
Parties
Division of Police and for at all times relevant hereto has been a resident of the state of Ohio.
the State of Ohio and, in that capacity, maintains the Columbus Division of Police.
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4. Elaine R. Bryant is the Chief of the Columbus Division of Police and has
5. Lashanna Potts is the Assistant Chief of the Columbus Division of Police and
has oversight, control, and supervision over the actions complained of herein.
6. Douglass Sarff is the Director of the Human Resources Department for the City
and has oversight, control and supervision over the actions complained of herein.
implementing the drug and alcohol testing program for the City of Columbus.
8. Andrew Ginther is the Mayor of the City of Columbus, responsible for, among
other things, executive and administrative functions of the City. He has held that position at
9. Ned Pettus was the Safety Director of the City of Columbus, responsible for,
among other things, supervision of the Police Department. For purposes of this Complaint,
he held that position from 2016 by and through Aug, 2021 when he retired.
10. Robert Clark is the Safety Director of the City of Columbus, responsible for,
among other things, supervision of the Police Department. He has held that position since
September 3, 2021.
11. Plaintiff is or will be asserting claims for gender and race discrimination and
retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.,1 and the Ohio laws
1 Plaintiff has filed EEOC charges as of July 20, 2021; those charges have been pending for more than a year,
and, while Plaintiff has requested a right to sue letter, no such right to sue letter has presently issued. Thus,
even she is not, at present, asserting those claims, but intends to do so as soon as the letter issues, and she
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12. Plaintiff is asserting claims for deprivation of her civil rights under 42
U.S.C.§1983.
13. This Court has jurisdiction by virtue of 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 (federal question),
U.S.C. §§ 2201; 2202; and the common law of the State of Ohio.
15. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages under 42 U.S.C.§1981, Title VII, and the
16. Plaintiff seeks costs and attorneys’ fees pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988; Title VII,
42 U.S.C. § 2000e-5(k); Fed. R. Civ. P. 54; and the statutory and common law of the State of
Ohio.
17. In March of 2021, Plaintiff initiated a charge of discrimination with the EEOC
18. Due to Covid-19 and administrative backlog the EEOC has failed to issue a
Notice of Suit Rights letter and Plaintiff’s Title VII claims alleged herein are not ripe until the
19. Venue lies in this forum pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) and S.D. Civ. R. 82.1
because the claims arose in Franklin County, Ohio, where Defendants engaged in prohibited
conduct and where the Division of Police and Department of Public Safety are located.
Facts
intends to amend her complaint to assert those claims.though the Title VII claims arise out of a common nucleus
of operative facts from the other claims Plaintiff asserts,
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20. In December, 2016, Plaintiff had been the Commander of the Internal Affairs
Bureau (IAB) for the Columbus Division of Police for 2.5 years.
another supervisor about an internal investigation involving Lt. Melissa McFadden, a female
22. Lt. McFadden complained to then Chief Jacobs alleging misconduct by the
Plaintiff and in February, 2017, at the insistence of Jacobs and Pettus, and with the
knowledge and consent of Ginther, Plaintiff was removed from her position in IAB without
23. In March of 2017, the internal investigation was completed, Lt. McFadden’s
allegations were found to be without basis and yet Plaintiff was not moved back to her
position as IAB Commander, at the direction of Jacobs and Pettus, and with the knowledge
24. In April of 2017, several black police officers complained regarding Lt.
McFadden alleging she created a racially hostile work environment within the Division of
Police generally and an IAB investigation into those allegations was initiated.
25. Lt. McFadden was relieved of duty by Chief Jacobs during the investigation
26. During the investigation into her misconduct, Lt. McFadden made frequent
public appearances and gave media interviews during which she targeted Plaintiff and
Commander Rhonda Grizzell and falsely alleged they were corrupt and racist. Pettus and
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27. Despite repeated requests from Plaintiff, the Division of Police refused to act
to stop Lt. McFadden from disparaging her and the Division despite clear rules, directives,
No. 201703-1015) into Lt. McFadden and sustained all the complaints against her relative to
30. In August, 2018, Safety Director Ned Pettus overruled the Chief’s
recommendations and determined that the Division of Police had failed to meet their burden
of proof regarding Lt. McFadden’s conduct, thereby tacitly approving and perpetuating her
example of the disparate treatment of and double standard for Division personnel whereby
certain black officers are permitted to violate rules, regulations, policies and orders and
32. In February, 2019, Thomas Quinlan was appointed interim Chief, indicated he
wanted Plaintiff to be appointed as a Deputy Chief and appointed her as an interim Deputy
Chief.
33. At the time Plaintiff was being considered for promotion to Deputy Chief in
February, 2019, she had a meeting with then Safety Director Ned Pettus and H.R. Director
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Doug Sarff during which Pettus and Sarff both voiced concern that the male Deputy Chiefs
would not treat her well and questioned her ability to operate in that environment.
34. Ultimately, in August, 2019, Greg Bodker was appointed to the position of
Deputy Chief even though he had no experience at the rank, less tenure and no advanced
degree and Plaintiff remained appointed as an interim Deputy Chief. This was with the
35. During her service as an interim Deputy Chief, Plaintiff was regularly
undermined and unfairly criticized by the other Deputy Chiefs. This was with the knowledge
36. In October, 2019, Plaintiff filed an official complaint against Deputy Chief Bash
with then EEO Director Kathleen Bourke regarding his repeated and successful efforts to
Plaintiff’s sex and gender, and Bash’s hostility to women in command positions. Pettus and
Ginther were aware of these charges, and directed that they not be meaningfully
investigated.
37. The EEO Complaint referenced in the preceding paragraph was not
meaningfully investigated and/or, the minimal investigation that was conducted was
38. In November, 2019, a Deputy Chief circulated an email criticizing Plaintiff for
appearing in a photo in the Columbus Dispatch without her police hat, a common occurrence
for other Division personnel. This was, yet again, conduct substantially motivated by
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39. Chief Quinlan ordered Deputy Chief Kuebler to retract his email criticizing the
Plaintiff.
40. In April 2020, Plaintiff was advised that if she was selected for promotion to
Deputy Chief, she would have to attend leadership training, a condition of promotion that
was never applied to male Deputy Chiefs, despite her record of attendance at several
leadership programs. This was with the knowledge and at the direction of Pettus and
Ginther.
42. Despite her promotion, Plaintiff’s autonomy and authority has been hampered
by the Chief Quinlan’s order that Plaintiff bring command issues before the executive staff
for review and approval, a condition not imposed and never imposed on male Deputy Chiefs.
This was with the knowledge and at the direction of Pettus and Ginther.
43. In June of 2020, City Councilmember Emmanuel Remy publicly stated the
racial makeup of those currently serving as Deputy Chiefs, including the plaintiff, was
44. As a female Deputy Chief, from May, 2020, to the present, Plaintiff was
subjected to disparate treatment as compared to the male Deputy Chiefs including, but not
limited to, being required to attend to additional training, being required to seek approval of
command decisions, being criticized without basis, and having her command authority
undermined by her male counterparts. This disparate treatment was pervasive and ongoing,
from May, 2020, to the present. This was with the knowledge and at the direction of Pettus
and Ginther.
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45. In September, 2020 it became public knowledge that Lt. McFadden wrote and
offered for sale a book, titled Walking the Thin Black Line, in which she falsely disparaged
Plaintiff by name, falsely disparaged the Division of Police and otherwise violated rules,
46. In September, 2020, Lt. McFadden was giving regular interviews with the
47. Lt. McFadden’s conduct attracted the attention of the local media, the Division
Command Staff and the Columbus City Attorney’s Office and there was an ongoing discussion
between various authority figures regarding what, if anything, could or should be done about
the Lt. McFadden’s dishonesty and flagrant violations of Division policies. The concerns
misconduct, Chief Quinlan was evaluating whether the investigation would be done
internally by IAB or outsourced to a law firm. Quinlan consulted and obtained the approval
49. On or about October 21, 2020, Chief Quinlan, at the direction of Mayor Ginther
and Safety Director Pettus, directed Plaintiff to prepare a letter outlining Lt. McFadden’s
commenced. Plaintiff, as opposed to other Deputy Chiefs, was selected to author the letter
because Chief Quinlan, Pettus, and Ginther all knew that there was a high likelihood that Lt.
McFadden would retaliate, that Lt. McFadden would likely raise race issues, all knew that
this was a unfavorable and unenviable task, and all of them wanted the Plaintiff to bear the
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brunt of any aftermath from the letter, rather than Plaintiff’s male counterparts, and
certainly both Pettus and Ginther did not want to be held responsible.
Plaintiff’s letter regarding Lt. McFadden and rejected it as inadequately detailed. The letter
was returned to IAB requesting additional details. Again, Pettus and Ginther were informed
51. In response, Plaintiff was again directed by Deputy Chief Bash, the Deputy
McFadden’s conduct, her book, and her numerous violations of Division policies. Plaintiff, as
opposed to other Deputy Chiefs, was selected to author the letter because Deputy Chief Bash,
Pettus, and Ginther, all knew that Lt. McFadden would likely retaliate, this was an
unfavorable and unenviable task, and they wanted the Plaintiff to bear the brunt of any
aftermath from the letter, rather than Plaintiff’s male counterparts or Pettus or Ginther.
52. At that time, Plaintiff expressed her concern that Lt. McFadden would retaliate
against her for preparing a complaint. Chief Quinlan dismissed these concerns, even though
he knew that Lt. McFadden would likely retaliate, because he, Ginther, and Pettus had all
already decided that Plaintiff, rather than her male counterparts, would be saddled with
McFadden’s retaliation and they decided Plaintiff would be the scapegoat if it came to it.
53. After Plaintiff submitted a detailed complaint outlining the many ways Lt.
McFadden had violated Division rules, policies, regulations and order, Lt. McFadden filed a
complaint alleging Plaintiff and others retaliated against her for First Amendment protected
expression. Ginther and Pettus then decided that they would execute on their scheme to
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54. At the direction of Ginther and Pettus, Lt. McFadden’s complaint was
55. The IAB investigation into Lt. McFadden’s misconduct was immediately halted
56. Mr. Fishel’s investigation was pretextual and the outcome was predetermined.
57. In further point of fact, Fishel “completed” his investigation no less than three
times, the first time on September 21, 2021, again on January 3, 2022, and again on May 31,
2022. Each time, Fishel was asked to do more work to try to justify disciplinary action,
namely the termination of Plaintiff’s employment, because in actuality, such termination was
or would be on the basis of the Plaintiff’s sex and gender. Mayor Ginther. Safety Director
Clark, Chief Bryant, and Assistant Chief Potts want to terminate the employment of Plaintiff,
on the basis of her race, sex and gender, and in furtherance of efforts to placate McFadden,
58. Mr. Fishel’s findings and conclusions were, in each instance, legally flawed and
legally unsupportable.
59. It is now obvious that the direction provided to Plaintiff, by the Safety
Director’s office and ranking members of the Division, to draft a complaint against Lt.
60. In October of 2021, Plaintiff applied for an open position at the rank of
Assistant Chief. All potential candidates except Plaintiff, including those with significantly
less experience, rank and education were provided with an interview opportunity. This was
further retaliation against the Plaintiff on the basis of her sex and gender. This lack of
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opportunity was motivated by the Plaintiff’s gender, and the discriminatory actions of
61. Defendants Bryant, Potts, Ginther, and Clark, are and have been orchestrating
a plan to try and get rid of Plaintiff for complaining about the racial double standard in the
Division of Police, the discrimination against her as a female Deputy Chief and the double
62. On November 15, 2021, Plaintiff was notified to appear for a routine
drug/alcohol test.
63. As a member of the executive command staff, it was common practice for
Plaintiff and others to reschedule drug/alcohol tests to comport with their schedule.
64. Occasionally, members of the command staff selected for drug testing would
simply advise the testing coordinator they were unavailable, rather than rescheduling, and
the coordinator would simply move down the list to the next selectee.
inadvertently failed to appear for her drug/alcohol test at the designated time.
66. Although Plaintiff immediately tried to reschedule, she was not permitted to
67. Rather than allow Plaintiff to reschedule (which was common practice), Kelly
Lee, Doug Sarff, and Chief Bryant decided to charge Plaintiff with a “positive test.” In point
of fact, Plaintiff was not positive, but her failure to appear was treated as such.
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68. As a result of the “positive test”, on November 18, 2021, Plaintiff was relieved
of duty, required to turn in her badge and gun and had her police powers suspended by Chief
Bryant, and at the further direction and approval of Ginther and Clark.
69. Plaintiff, at her own expense, obtained private urinalysis in the days following
the November 15, 2021 incident, which demonstrated an absence of any drugs, and provided
a copy of the same to Chief Bryant, Kelly Lee, and Doug Sarff. Both Ginther and Clark were
70. Plaintiff was required to meet with the EAP Director and then she was
71. Plaintiff was forced to undergo a Return to Duty urinalysis which required her
73. The City has a Drug Free Workplace Policy in effect that differentiates between
74. As a result of the alleged “positive test,” Plaintiff is subjected to ongoing and
continuing “Direct Observed Collection” which requires Plaintiff to fully disrobe and be fully
observed, naked, urinating into a cup. This requirement was imposed at the direction of
2 A direct observation collection is when a collector at a test site watches the employee urinate into a
collection container and checks for prosthetic or other devices designed to carry “clean” urine or urine
substitutes in accordance with federal standards. If the collector is not the observer, the collector must
instruct the observer about the appropriate procedures for observing the employee in accordance with
federal standards. The observer must be the same gender as the employee’s identified gender.
3 A monitored collection is when a monitor accompanies the donor into the restroom, and secures the
restroom to ensure that no one else can enter during the collection process. The monitor remains in the
restroom, but outside the stall, while the donor is providing the specimen.
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75. Plaintiff has never had a urine test return a positive result for alcohol and/or
drugs.
76. Plaintiff has never been accused of being under the influence of alcohol or
77. Plaintiff was investigated by IAB for the missed drug test (I.A.B. Database #
202112-1029)
78. On May 3, 2022, IAB determined that the allegation that Plaintiff failed to
cooperate with a random drug test resulting a in a positive test result was UNFOUNDED.
79. Notwithstanding IAB’s determination that the alleged positive test result was
80. Plaintiff has been subjected to “Direct Observed Collection” drug testing on
November 29, 2021, April 4, 2022, May 3, 2022, and July 26, 2022, and is currently in a
rotation whereby she will continue to be subjected to ongoing “Direct Observed Collection,”
which, again, is the requirement to be fully naked, and then be observed urinating into a cup,
despite the lack of any articulable or individualize suspicion that she has or does use alcohol
or drugs.
First Cause of Action – Violation of 42 U.S.C. §1983 (Equal Protection – Sex and
Gender - Ginther, Clark, Pettus, Bryant, Potts, Sarff, and the City of Columbus)
81. Plaintiff incorporates the preceding allegations by reference.
82. Defendants have taken a number of adverse employment actions against the
Plaintiff, as set forth in Paragraphs 20 through 80 on the basis of her sex and gender. Further,
the treatment of the Plaintiff has constituted and continues to constitute a pervasive and
ongoing hostile work environment, on the basis of the Plaintiff’s sex and gender.
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83. Defendants have violated Plaintiff’s clearly established equal protection rights
by discriminating against her based on her gender and sex in violation of 42 U.S.C. §1983.
84. The foregoing violations on the Plaintiff’s clearly established equal protection
rights have caused her damages, in an amount exceeding $25,000 to be proven at trial.
Further, the foregoing violations on the Plaintiff’s clearly established equal protection rights
were motivated by evil motive or intent on the part of the Defendant, or involves reckless or
callous indifference to the federally protected rights of the Plaintiff, warranting the
85. The City of Columbus is further liable for the compensatory damages
complained of herein, because these decisions and actions were ratified and directed at the
highest levels of the City and Police Department, thus constituting an official municipal policy
87. Defendants have taken a number of adverse employment actions against the
Plaintiff, as set forth in Paragraphs 20 through 80 on the basis of her race. Further, the
treatment of the Plaintiff has constituted and continues to constitute a pervasive and ongoing
88. Defendants have violated Plaintiff’s clearly established equal protection rights
89. The foregoing violations on the Plaintiff’s clearly established equal protection
rights have caused her damages, in an amount exceeding $25,000 to be proven at trial.
Further, the foregoing violations on the Plaintiff’s clearly established equal protection rights
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were motivated by evil motive or intent on the part of the Defendant, or involves reckless or
callous indifference to the federally protected rights of the Plaintiff, warranting the
90. The City of Columbus is further liable for the compensatory damages
complained of herein, because these decisions and actions were ratified and directed at the
highest levels of the City and Police Department, thus constituting an official municipal policy
urinalysis, Defendants are causing Plaintiff irreparable harm including, but not limited to,
Amendment rights have caused her damages, in an amount exceeding $25,000 to be proven
at trial. Further, the foregoing violations on the Plaintiff’s clearly established Fourth
Amendment rights were motivated by evil motive or intent on the part of the Defendant, or
involves reckless or callous indifference to the federally protected rights of the Plaintiff,
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95. The City of Columbus is further liable for the compensatory damages
complained of herein, because these decisions and actions were ratified and directed at the
highest levels of the City and Police Department, thus constituting an official municipal policy
special, and punitive damages, injunctive relief, costs of this action, reasonable attorneys’
fees and any such other relief as this Court deems just.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Zachary Gottesman
Zachary Gottesman (0058675)
Trial Attorney for Plaintiff
Gottesman & Associates, LLC
404 East 12th Street, First Floor
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513/651-2121
[email protected]
/s/Christopher Wiest
Christopher Wiest (0077931)
25 Town Center Blvd, Ste. 104
Crestview Hills, KY 41017
513/257-1895
[email protected]
/s/Robert J. Thumann
Robert J. Thumann (0074975)
Crehan & Thumann, LLC
404 East 12th Street, Second Floor
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Tel.: 513/381-5050
[email protected]
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Jury Demand
/s/Zachary Gottesman
Zachary Gottesman (0058675)
Trial Attorney for Plaintiff
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