The City of Caldwell is facing a lawsuit from former employee Nathan Douthit, who alleges he was terminated and put on house arrest after attempting to report alleged unlawful actions by Chief of Police Rex Ingram.
According to court documents, Douthit sought a meeting withCaldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner to discuss concerns about Ingram’s management, particularly regarding the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds for personal expenses—such as luxury suites for Steelhead’s games and expensive meals at steakhouses.
In court filings, Douthit claims that following his initial email to the mayor, Chief Ingram became apprehensive and initiated an internal investigation into him.
As a consequence, Douthit was placed on administrative leave on May 14, 2024, the day after sending the email. Court documents say Douthit was also placed house arrest imposed by Deputy Chief of Police Shawn Sopoaga, requiring him to stay home during business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Days later, Douthit’s attorney pointed out that this “personnel order,” was unlawful, and such order was dismissed.