Seven months after the dismissal of Jerel Jones as Flossmoor police chief, the village has settled his lawsuit alleging his firing was a form of racial discrimination.
The village agreed to pay Jones nearly $56,000 “to avoid the cost and distraction of prolonged litigation,” Mayor Michelle Nelson said in a statement Friday.
“Our priority has always been to serve the best interests of our community, and we believe that this resolution will allow us to focus our resources on continuing to provide high-quality services and fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all residents,” Nelson said. “I look forward to continuing to work together, with residents and staff, toward our shared goals.”
Nelson continues to deny any wrongdoing. Village officials stated Jones was fired less than a year into his service due to poor performance. However, Jones claimed in the lawsuit filed less than a week later he was dismissed that the village retaliated due to a complaint he filed Oct. 5, 2023 about experiencing “disparate treatment” from village manager Bridgette Wachtel.
Wachtel was named in the lawsuit along with Nelson and the village.
Jones’ attorney, Cass Casper of Chicago’s Disparti Law Group, declined to comment beyond a joint statement issued to represent both Jones and the village of Flossmoor.
“Following extensive discussions, the Village and Mr. Jones have come to an understanding regarding their respective viewpoints about the case,” according to the statement. “Plaintiff Jones has agreed to enter into an agreed settlement to resolve the case and to end the litigation in its entirety and allow both sides to move forward.”
Casper previously said Jones would dismiss the lawsuit if the mayor issued a public apology and reinstated Jones as police chief. The village appointed Carl Estelle in July to serve as the next police chief.
Residents supporting Jones as packed Village Board meetings in advance of his firing, defending him and seeking answers to rumors the chief’s job was on the line.
Richton Park hired Jones in September to be its deputy police chief.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
