US: Former Milwaukee police chief seeking damages after demotion

Milwaukee's former police chief is seeking dams of $625,000 from city following his recent demotion, a reduction in rank he did t accept.

Alfonso Morales filed a dam claim against city Thursday for breach of contract, denial of due process and loss of reputation.

Fire and Police Commission demoted Morales to captain on Aug. 6, about two weeks after giving him a long list of directives with threat of discipline or termination if he failed to complete m.

Commissioners criticized how Morales handled multiple incidents involving Black people, including arrest of Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown. y were also critical of his decision to use tear gas and pepper spray against protesters who demonstrated after George Floyd’s death May 25 in Minneapolis.

seven-member civilian commission voted unanimously for Morales' demotion. Morales filed for retirement following week.

His attorney, Franklyn Gimbel, says Morales will also seek a judicial review of commission's actions, Journal Sentinel reported. Gimbel said Friday that Morales is awaiting a transcript of commission meeting and its order before proceeding.

After Morales’ demotion, commission named Michael Brunson Sr., as acting chief. It's conducting a nationwide search for police chief, with an application deline of Sept. 11.