ACTION 8 UPDATE: Federal judge dismisses former Montgomery police chief’s lawsuit against city, mayor

FILE – Former Montgomery Police Chief Ernest Finley – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

ACTION 8 UPDATE: A federal judge has dismissed the lawsuit that former Montgomery Police Chief Ernest Finley had filed against the city and Mayor Steven Reed.

The court ruled that there was no evidence to support Finley’s allegations of racial discrimination, retaliation or conspiracy.

In the 33-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Kristi K. DuBose found that the city’s decisions were based on performance and leadership concerns, including rising violent crime and internal complaints within the police department.

The court noted that Reed and the city followed proper procedures and provided legal representation for Finley.

As Action 8 News has reported, Finley’s 2023 lawsuit claimed the mayor and the city engaged in illegal employment practices and broke federal and state law.

Finley was hired as police chief in 2015, when Todd Strange was mayor. Finley claimed Mayor Reed and others forced him to resign in 2021 after making false complaints against him, including bullying, retaliation, race-based decision making and ethics violations.

In his 8-count lawsuit, Finley alleged the city and mayor wanted him gone because he enforced civil rights laws and hired, promoted and disciplined officers equally. He said he was forced to resign because he disciplined Black police officers and promoted a white police officer.

After the lawsuit was dismissed, Mayor Reed issued the following statement:

“We appreciate the court’s thorough review and are grateful for a ruling that reaffirms the City’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and the rule of law. Our administration has always put public safety and integrity first, and we will continue working to ensure Montgomery is a safe, equitable city for all. I am grateful for the dedicated officers who continue to serve with honor and professionalism every day.”