The Associated Press
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)- Two New Haven police sergeants who claimed they were passed over for promotions have been awarded $885,000 by a federal jury.
Sgts. John Kelly and James Kelly had claimed that former police Chief Melvin H. Wearing’s decision not to promote them to lieutenant was in retaliation for an earlier lawsuit that they won in state court challenging the city’s promotional practices.
The jury Thursday awarded James Kelly $185,000 in compensatory damages and $250,000 in punitive damages. John Kelly was awarded $200,000 in compensatory damages and $250,000 in punitive damages.
“That chapter’s over. I’ts been four years of uphill battles,” John Kelly said.
Corporation Counsel Thomas Ude Jr. said the city’s next move would be to ask U.S. District Judge Peter Dorsey to vacate or lessen the punitive damages award to each sergeant.
If he denies the motion, the city could appeal. But Ude said it was too early to make that decision.