By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Chula Vista, California’s police chief has filed a lawsuit against the city and four councilmembers alleging defamation, harassment and invasion of privacy.
• Chief Roxana Kennedy claims actions by city officials followed an off-duty incident and were used as pretext for retaliation.
• The defendants include the city, the city manager and councilmembers; the mayor is not named.
• The city has denied the allegations and said it will defend against them in court.
• Kennedy has been on medical leave and her attorney alleges she was excluded from work systems.
CHULA VISTA, CALIF. — Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy filed a lawsuit Tuesday in San Diego Superior Court against the city of Chula Vista, City Manager Tiffany Allen and four city councilmembers, alleging defamation, harassment and invasion of privacy related to actions by city leadership.
The legal complaint stems from Kennedy’s allegations that an off-duty incident was used as a pretext to reprimand her and that subsequent actions by city officials created a hostile work environment, according to the filing.
Defendants named in the suit are the city itself, Allen and councilmembers Michael Inzunza, Cesar Fernandez, Carolina Chavez and Jose Preciado; Mayor John McCann is not named in the lawsuit.
Kennedy’s attorney said she has been on medical leave since January and alleged that the city excluded her from access to work email, personnel information and wage statements, even though she continues to receive pay.
In response, the city said it “categorically denies the allegations and will vigorously defend against them in court,” and expressed confidence that evidence will show no wrongdoing.