Jeffrey Wood, the former police superintendent of Ouray, Colorado, is suing the city after being terminated in June as a result of a series of allegations against him.
Wood argues that his dismissal violated his constitutional rights and damaged his reputation.
The case, filed in federal court, requests a jury trial and financial recompense for damages.
Misconduct Allegations Against Wood
The allegations against Wood include the improper expungement of a juvenile record, the use of excessive force, and the improper handling of evidence.
These charges surfaced after he was placed on administrative leave following an altercation with his stepson.
The stepson, along with two others, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Wood’s home while the chief was asleep upstairs.
Other complaints highlighted inappropriate behavior, including a sexually explicit decal on Wood’s truck and disparaging remarks about the Black Lives Matter movement.
City officials accused Wood of calling the movement a “terrorist organization” during a conversation about a local coffee shop sign supporting the cause.
City’s Reasons for Firing
An investigation revealed five sustained complaints against Wood, including violations of state law and police ethics.
These findings were documented in a letter from City Administrator Silas Clarke, who cited poor work performance, unprofessional behavior, and a failure to follow department standards.
The letter also chastised Wood for not wearing his body-worn camera in circumstances where it was considered necessary.
Clarke underlined that some residents refrained from having registered formal complaints due to fears of retribution from Wood.
"If you had not placed members of the public in fear of reporting, the city may have received more complaints which needed investigation," according to Clarke.
The city's decision to fire Wood was largely influenced by these concerns as well as pre-existing complaints.
Wood’s Lawsuit Claims
Wood's lawsuit alleges that the city violated his 14th Amendment right to due process.
He says that the allegations against him are libelous and have severely ruined his career and reputation.
The suit specifically questions the city's argument that Wood harassed residents in order to dissuade complaints, claiming that it is both false and detrimental.
Wood is seeking a jury trial to resolve his claims, as well as compensation for lost salary and other legal remedies.
His attorney claims that the accusations paint Wood as a corrupt public official without any adequate evidence.
Public and Official Responses
The city has not publicly replied to the case, and authorities have declined to comment on the allegations Wood has made in his court petition.
The public has criticized Wood for suspected case mishandling and unethical demeanor as police chief.
City officials have used the findings of their investigation as justification for Wood's dismissal.
They argue that his actions violated the standards expected of a chief of police, undermining trust within the community.
