Attorneys representing officers suing City of Columbus announce news conference

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Attorneys representing the 12 plaintiffs suing the City of Columbus have called a news conference for Monday, during which time they plan to "shine a light on" the actions they are alleging.

Cincinnati-based Zach Gottesman and his legal team issued a statement Friday, their first since ABC 6 was first to report Wednesday night that 12 current and former Columbus police officers are suing the city on claims of racism, a hostile work environment and harassment, among other allegations.

"The 12 Plaintiffs, who are present and former Columbus Police officers, represent different races, genders, and ranks within the Division of Police," the statement read. "They have come forward as a group to pursue claims related to hostile work environment claims based on race, and related conspiracy claims to violate civil rights by the Defendants."

The group filing the suit includes four Black officers, seven white officers, and one white former officer, all directing their claims at the City and then-Lieutenant Melissa McFadden.

"The facts detailed in this lawsuit will reveal how the Plaintiffs have been subjected to intimidation, demeaning and racially divisive comments, spurious investigations, disparate treatment, and retaliation," Gottesman's statement continued. "The City of Columbus, and other Defendants named in this lawsuit, deliberately permitted ongoing race discrimination and illegal activity, in the face of complaints about this illegal activity, and subjected the Plaintiffs to ongoing harassment, career disadvantage, and continued retaliation after Plaintiffs reported the unlawful and discriminatory behavior."

Now a commander, McFadden self-published the book "Walking the Thin Black Line," making her own claims of racism within the department. She, too, sued the city in a years-long legal battle that began in 2018. Her book named at least three of the officers now among the plaintiffs in the new suit.

Last year, a jury found in her favor, ruling that the City of Columbus racially discriminated and retaliated against her. The jury awarded her $1 in compensatory damages for each claim.

This new lawsuit can trace its roots back to 2021 when the group of officers represented by Gottesman initiated an inquiry with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

McFadden's attorney, Sam Schlein, told ABC 6's Kate Siefert on Thursday that he was surprised by the timing of the new lawsuit.

"These are not only old and stale complaints made against Commander McFadden, but complaints that have been litigated to a large extent," Schlein said. "These are allegations that have been litigated in Commander McFadden’s previous lawsuit that was filed in 2018. She won a federal trial in June of last year about this."

ABC 6 will cover Monday's news conference and continue to cover all angles of this closely-watched story.