$2.5M Settlement Shows How Police Officers Can Fight Back Against Retaliation
Public servants dedicate their careers to protecting and serving their communities. When they face workplace retaliation after being cleared of wrongdoing, the consequences can be devastating—not just financially, but professionally and personally. A recent $2.5 million settlement secured by Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP for two former Pomona police supervisors demonstrates the power of standing up for your rights and holding employers accountable for illegal retaliation.
This landmark case reveals important lessons for law enforcement officers and other public employees throughout Riverside, California, and beyond. Understanding these lessons could make the difference between losing your career and protecting your future.
The Pomona Police Supervisors’ Ordeal
Chad Jensen and Michael Neaderbaomer spent years building respected careers as police supervisors in Pomona. Their professional lives changed dramatically following a 2015 incident that led to criminal charges against both men. The legal system eventually vindicated them—they were acquitted of all charges and cleared of any wrongdoing.
However, their acquittal marked the beginning of a new battle rather than the end of their troubles. Upon returning to the police department, Jensen and Neaderbaomer discovered that being legally cleared did not protect them from workplace consequences. Despite their innocence being established in court, they faced a hostile work environment that would ultimately force them out of law enforcement entirely.
The two supervisors found themselves stripped of their meaningful responsibilities and reassigned to menial tasks that bore no resemblance to their previous roles or qualifications. This dramatic shift from respected supervisors to marginalized employees created an untenable situation that effectively ended their law enforcement careers.
Federal Lawsuit Reveals Systematic Retaliation
The circumstances surrounding Jensen and Neaderbaomer’s treatment prompted them to file a federal lawsuit against the City of Pomona and former Police Chief Michael Olivieri. The lawsuit painted a disturbing picture of deliberate retaliation designed to push the officers out of their positions.
According to the legal allegations, former Police Chief Olivieri orchestrated a campaign to sideline both supervisors in order to avoid public scrutiny. Rather than allowing them to return to their previous roles after being cleared of all charges, the department relegated them to duties that served no legitimate purpose beyond humiliation and marginalization.
The lawsuit alleged that this treatment violated the officers’ constitutional rights and created a hostile work environment specifically designed to force their resignation. The city’s actions sent a clear message that legal vindication would not protect employees from administrative punishment—a dangerous precedent that threatened the rights of all public servants.
The federal court system provided the venue for challenging these alleged violations, offering Jensen and Neaderbaomer the opportunity to seek justice through civil litigation when internal processes failed to protect their rights.
Record-Breaking Settlement Sends Clear Message
The $2.5 million settlement approved by the Pomona City Council represents one of the largest employment law settlements in the region’s recent history. The substantial financial award reflects both the severity of the alleged violations and the strength of the legal case presented by Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP.
Jensen received $525,000 as part of the settlement, while Neaderbaomer was awarded $725,000. The remaining $1.2 million covered legal fees, demonstrating the complexity and intensity of the litigation required to achieve this result. These amounts reflect not only the financial harm caused by the alleged retaliation but also the broader principle that public employees cannot be punished for being legally vindicated.
A critical pretrial ruling played a decisive role in reaching this settlement. The court excluded key evidence that the city had planned to use in its defense, significantly weakening their position and creating pressure to resolve the matter outside of trial. This ruling demonstrated how proper legal strategy and thorough preparation can create leverage that leads to favorable outcomes.
Attorney Daniel Moussatche, who represented the officers, emphasized the broader significance of the settlement: “This case affirms that public servants cannot be retaliated against for being acquitted.” This statement captures the fundamental principle at stake—that legal vindication must be respected in the workplace, not used as a basis for continued punishment.
Broader Implications for Public Employees
The Pomona settlement establishes important precedents for public employees throughout Riverside County and California. The case demonstrates that courts will hold government employers accountable when they engage in retaliatory behavior, even against employees who have been cleared of criminal charges.
Public employees often face unique vulnerabilities in the workplace. Unlike private sector workers, they serve employers who wield significant governmental power and resources. This dynamic can create situations where employees feel powerless to challenge unfair treatment, particularly when it involves high-profile incidents or public scrutiny.
The successful resolution of Jensen and Neaderbaomer’s case proves that these power imbalances can be challenged through the legal system. Federal civil rights laws provide protection for public employees who face retaliation, discrimination, or other workplace violations. However, these protections only become meaningful when employees have the knowledge and resources to enforce them.
The settlement also highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between criminal proceedings and employment matters. An acquittal in criminal court does not automatically resolve workplace consequences, but it does provide important protection against retaliatory actions based on the same underlying conduct.
Public employees who find themselves in similar situations should understand that they have options beyond simply accepting unfair treatment. The legal system provides avenues for challenging retaliation and recovering damages when employers violate their rights.
Wagner Zemming Christensen LLP’s Proven Track Record
The successful resolution of the Pomona case represents just one example of Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP’s commitment to protecting public employees throughout Riverside, California. The firm’s attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public servants who dedicate their careers to serving their communities.
Employment law in the public sector involves complex interactions between constitutional rights, civil service regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and federal civil rights statutes. Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP’s attorneys have developed deep expertise in navigating these overlapping legal frameworks to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients.
The firm’s approach goes beyond simply filing lawsuits. They work to understand each client’s specific situation, career goals, and personal circumstances to develop strategies that protect both immediate interests and long-term objectives. This comprehensive approach recognizes that employment law cases involve more than just legal principles—they affect people’s livelihoods, reputations, and futures.
Law enforcement officers face particular challenges when dealing with employment disputes. The nature of police work often involves high-stakes situations that can lead to scrutiny, investigation, and potential legal consequences. When officers are cleared of wrongdoing but continue to face workplace retaliation, they need attorneys who understand both the legal and practical aspects of their profession.
Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP’s successful representation of Jensen and Neaderbaomer demonstrates their ability to take on powerful government entities and achieve meaningful results. The $2.5 million settlement required sophisticated legal strategy, thorough preparation, and the willingness to pursue litigation against a well-funded opponent.
Understanding Your Rights and Options
Public employees who believe they are facing retaliation or discrimination should understand that time is often a critical factor in protecting their rights. Many employment law claims are subject to strict deadlines, and waiting too long to seek legal advice can result in the loss of important protections.
The first step in addressing potential workplace violations is understanding what conduct may be illegal. Retaliation can take many forms, from obvious actions like demotion or termination to more subtle practices like reassignment to less desirable duties, exclusion from training opportunities, or creation of hostile work environments.
Public employees also have additional protections under federal civil rights laws, including Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, which allows individuals to sue government employers for constitutional violations. These federal protections can provide remedies that are not available under state employment laws, including the recovery of attorney’s fees in successful cases.
Documentation plays a crucial role in employment law cases. Employees who believe they are facing retaliation should maintain detailed records of relevant incidents, communications, and workplace changes. This documentation can become essential evidence if legal action becomes necessary.
However, the decision to pursue legal action should be made in consultation with experienced employment law attorneys who can evaluate the specific circumstances and advise on the best course of action. Each situation involves unique factors that affect both the likelihood of success and the potential consequences of litigation.
Taking Action to Protect Your Career
The Pomona settlement demonstrates that public employees do not have to accept unfair treatment in silence. When employers violate their rights, the legal system provides mechanisms for seeking justice and recovering damages. However, these protections only become meaningful when employees have the knowledge and resources to enforce them.
If you are a public employee in Riverside, California, who believes you are facing retaliation, discrimination, or other workplace violations, you should not wait to seek legal advice. The attorneys at Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP have the experience and expertise necessary to evaluate your situation and advise you on your options.
The firm’s track record of success in representing public employees demonstrates their commitment to fighting for justice in the workplace. They understand that employment law cases involve more than just legal principles—they affect people’s careers, financial security, and personal well-being.
Schedule a consultation with Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP today by calling 951-363-3923. Their attorneys will review your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand your options for protecting your career and seeking justice. Do not let workplace retaliation go unchallenged—take action to protect your rights and your future.
