A judge has dismissed most of the complaints in a lawsuit by three Hermosa police officers who claim their rights were violated in the city’s handling of disciplinary matters.
City Attorney Michael Jenkins called the ruling a win for the city, while Corey Glave, attorney for the officers, said the judge’s ruling let stand the officers’ most serious allegations.
In the lawsuit, officers Donavan Sellan, Scott Kansaku and David Bohacik claimed that city officials refused to provide them with administrative appeals to the state Civil Service Board following disciplinary actions, such as negative comments made in writing, which would remain in their personnel files.
Kansaku is no longer with the department.
Superior Court Judge Michael P. Vicencia dismissed all allegations by Kansaku, stating in a written order that the officer had raised “no triable issues” in any of his allegations.
In the case of Sellan, the judge dismissed six complaints, including allegations that he was improperly denied personnel documents, and that officials took “punitive action” when he was denied a promotion and an assignment to the job of watch commander.
In the case of Bohacik, the judge dismissed four complaints, including allegations that officials improperly denied him documents and special police assignments.
The judge let stand complaints by Sellan and Bohacik that they were illegally denied administrative appeals following disciplinary actions. The officers claim those actions can affect the likelihood of promotions or special assignments for officers. ER
