LOS ANGELES : Vernon to Appeal Ruling Allowing Inquiry by City
Assistant Police Chief Robert L. Vernon filed notice Thursday that he will appeal a federal court judge’s decision that the city acted legally last year when it investigated allegations that Vernon mixed religious and police activities.
The appeal to the 9th Circuit Court will challenge Judge Stephen V. Wilson’s March 11 judgment in favor of the city, which argued that officials properly exercised their authority by ordering an inquiry of Vernon, a longtime elder in the Grace Community Church and onetime contender to replace Police Chief Daryl F. Gates. The chief said he found no evidence to support the allegations, but Vernon sued for $10 million, claiming that the inquiry damaged his career and violated his rights.
Vernon’s attorney, David Casterline, said the appeal also will challenge the judge’s dismissal of Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky as a defendant. Yaroslavsky requested the investigation.
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