Aug. 3—An attorney for a former Kern High School District police chief and two former KHSD police officers said Tuesday his clients settled their civil case against the district for $2.25 million — pending KHSD approval — over his clients' claims that district officials retaliated against them for reporting KHSD officials' alleged misuse of a police database to spy on students, parents and job applicants.
Former KHSD Police Chief Joseph Lopeteguy alleged KHSD administrators abused the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, a database operated by law enforcement to conduct background checks. He also claimed that after he reported the misuse, district officials created a hostile work environment and forced him into administrative leave. The complaint cites violations of labor codes, negligence, unlawful employment practices and a failure to prevent harassment and retaliation.
Joel Andreesen, a senior partner with Rodriguez & Associates, said the settlement was reached through private mediation — an option commonly used in civil lawsuits to settle cases — and a notice of settlement was filed July 27 in Kern County Superior Court. Andreesen, Seth N. O'Dell of Swanson O'Dell and Joseph Lowe handled the matter. Andreesen noted the lawsuit's settlement is incumbent on KHSD's insurance carrier approving this payment.
Multiple requests for comment from the KHSD were not returned Tuesday. The case was listed on Monday's KHSD board agenda to be discussed in closed...
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