S. Pasadena Police Chief Files Claim for Job Stress

On the same day South Pasadena officials launched a review of his performance as police chief, Thomas Mahoney says he became unable to work because of stress, according to a workers’ compensation claim filed by Mahoney.

The documents filed in Van Nuys workers’ compensation court indicate that the city is contesting his claim.

City Hall insiders say Mahoney’s job has been in jeopardy since The Times reported on a sex scandal in his department and a hit-and-run crash involving a politically well-connected officer, which the police allegedly tried to cover up.

The city has since hired an outside investigator to examine the Police Department, and Mahoney has gone on indefinite sick leave.

Mahoney did not return a call to his home Monday seeking comment. His attorney was out of town and could not be reached. City officials had no comment.

The crash that threatened Mahoney’s career occurred in September 1995, when Officer Scott Ziegler--whose father-in-law is former South Pasadena Mayor Ted Shaw--drove a Camaro into the rear bumper of a car parked on Pasadena Avenue, then briefly lied to investigating police officers about the crash, prosecutors say.

Mahoney was on vacation at the time of the crash, and Ziegler was fired by Capt. Michael Ward. But Mahoney rehired Ziegler when he returned. Despite reassurances that the victim would be paid and the case presented to the district attorney, neither was apparently done, city officials say.

The Times reported on the crash Aug. 7, as well as a claim by a local woman that she had sex with two officers on duty and was given special privileges by other officers. That night, Mahoney spoke to the City Council in closed session.

The next day, according to documents filed by Mahoney, he became unable to work because of permanent disability from “continuous and repetitive trauma” from his 23 years as a police officer.

That afternoon, Interim City Manager Linda Holmes announced that she was reviewing Mahoney’s performance.

One week later, the day after Holmes announced that the city had retained a Pasadena investigative firm to examine the department and that Ward was taking over as acting chief, Mahoney filed his claim.

Times staff writer Ann O’Neill contributed to this story.