By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
The Olympian reports former Tenino Police Chief John Hutchings, who was fired earlier this year, is planning to file a defamation lawsuit against the city for $850,000.
News reporter Andy Hobbs writes the claim is based on comments made by Tenino Mayor Bret Brodersen about Hutchings’ termination in March.
Initially Brodersen said he wanted to keep the change in police chiefs low key, but then because of mounting criticism on social media decided to share the background publicly.
In a lengthy news release at the end of March, Brodersen described a conflict between the number of hours Hutchings reported working compared with the number of hours he was authorized to work, given he was receiving retirement benefits. He also reported Hutchings added a paid reserve police officer, not approved and in violation of city statute that prohibits payment.
Chief John Hutchings was terminated on March 25 after almost two years with the city.
Read about it here [1]