City Will Pay Claims Involving Ex-Officer : Allegations: 3 women who claimed they were fondled while handcuffed in patrol car will divide $75,000. Council also OKs 4th settlement of $12,500.

The City Council unanimously agreed Tuesday to pay a total of $75,000 to three women who allege that a former reserve police officer fondled them while they were handcuffed in his patrol car last year.

The council also approved without discussion a $12,500 settlement for a fourth woman who said the same officer made inappropriate remarks to her. All four women had filed lawsuits against the city.

The former reserve officer, Chris Matano, has denied all charges. However, the city manager said in a report to the council that it would be “extremely difficult for the city to defend itself against these claims” because four women filed similar complaints.

Laguna Beach Police Chief Neil J. Purcell Jr., who fired Matano on Dec. 31 after an internal affairs investigation concluded that Matano had violated department policy, said the settlement could save the city money.

“It’s unfortunate we find ourselves in a position where we have to make a settlement,” Purcell said before the City Council meeting. “However, I clearly understand the reasoning behind it. It clearly breaks down sometimes to just economics. It becomes less costly to arrive at some kind of settlement than to spend legal fees that are, many times, much higher than any award that is going to be given by a judge or jury.”

During the police investigation, Purcell said, “administratively we found some wrongdoing.” However, he added, “to what extent these allegations are true is only known between these four women and Matano.”

The district attorney’s office also investigated the allegations and decided there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Matano.

Previously, Matano’s attorney said he would oppose a city settlement, partly because “there’s a stigma of guilt associated with settlements.” Neither Matano nor his attorney could be reached for comment Tuesday.

The three women alleged that Matano, then a 20-year-old Laguna Beach grocery store employee, had fondled them while they were handcuffed inside his patrol car on the way to the Orange County Jail.

The fourth woman alleged that Matano made inappropriate remarks to her. All four women had been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

At the time of the alleged incidents, Matano worked part time for the Police Department, usually transporting prisoners to the jail. Although he was a reserve officer, he had the same powers as a full-time police officer and was authorized to wear a uniform and carry a gun.