Former Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong is suing the city of Oakland and Mayor Sheng Thao over his firing last year.
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The suit claims Thao illegally terminated Armstrong in retaliation after he criticized the federal monitor overseeing the Oakland Police Department.
“Chief Armstrong was illegally terminated,” said Billie Wenter, his lawyer. “In particular he was retaliated against.”
The lawsuit also claims the action violated the law and Armstrong’s First Amendment rights.
Thao fired Armstrong a year ago this month, claiming he mishandled misconduct charges against a police officer.
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Former Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong explains what led up to his wrongful termination and why he was so surprised by it.
An independent auditor cleared Armstrong of any wrongdoing in September.
Thao refused comments when we spoke with her moments ago, referring us to the City Attorney’s Office.