Racially torn Jasper settles discrimination case with former police chief for $800K

[TexasTowelie]

The racially divided East Texas timber town of Jasper on Thursday agreed to pay its former police chief, the first African-American to hold the post, $800,000 to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit filed in the wake of his June 2012 dismissal.

Frank Calvert, the town's outside counsel, confirmed that the City Council has agreed to settle the action with former Police Chief Rodney Pearson. Also named as defendants were Jasper Mayor Mike Lout, the town's human resources director, Joe Whitener, and two individuals.

The city will pay Pearson $350,000 on behalf of itself, Lout and Whitener. An additional $450,000 will be paid by the Texas Municipal League's Intergovernmental Risk Pool.

Jasper, population 7,600, gained international notoriety in June 1998 when three white men murdered resident James Byrd Jr. by dragging him behind a pickup.

More at http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/Racially-torn-Jasper-settles-discrimination-case-5274663.php?cmpid=houtexhcat .

[TexasTowelie]

1. According to a different report, the amount is $831,000.

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Fired-Jasper-police-chief-wins-831-000-5274507.php

The lawsuit contended Jasper Mayor Mike Lout, in his capacity as owner of KJAS radio station, used Pearson's personnel file to portray Pearson as a "thief" and a "criminal" to "stoke racial animosity" in Jasper, said the Bernsen Law Firm in a prepared statement.

KJAS never mentioned Pearson's previous awards and commendations he received during his 20-year career with the Texas Department of Public Safety or his service as Jasper's volunteer fire chief.