Police Officer Files Whistle-Blower Lawsuit Against the LAPD
A Los Angeles police lieutenant has filed a whistle-blower lawsuit against the department, alleging that she was demoted in retaliation for reporting misconduct by former Police Chief Willie L. Williams.
Kathleen Ann Sheehan, a lieutenant in the North Hollywood Division, claims that police officials allied with Williams retaliated against her for reporting alleged misconduct to the Police Commission in 1997.
The alleged misconduct includes mismanagement of funds, extortive conduct and abuse of power. Williams was not available for comment.
Sheehan, who was Williams’ former executive officer, said that when she confronted her former boss with the allegations, he told her to mind her own business.
The lawsuit, which also names former Chief Bernard C. Parks as a plaintiff, does not specify monetary damages.
Sheehan, 43, is a 22-year veteran of the department. According to the lawsuit, she served as executive officer to two police chiefs and was a designated expert on the Christopher Commission.
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