Politics & Government

City Settles Lawsuit Over Officer's Firing

Hermosa Beach will pay $157,500 to the policeman who filed the lawsuit.

The settlement reached in a civil rights lawsuit brought against the city by police Officer Todd Lewitt was signed, sealed and delivered to Lewitt's attorney Tuesday. 

The city agreed to pay Lewitt $137,500 and will send an additional $20,000 in a couple of weeks. He was already paid $400,000 for lost salary wages and interest.

"He's really relieved to finally put all of this behind him," said Lewitt's attorney, Corey Glave. "He's happy and feels… he's cleared his name, and [was] compensated for violations."

Find out what's happening in Hermosa Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Lewitt was fired five years ago after he was accused of sneaking a handgun past security at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. 

When the accusation was found to be false, the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission ruled that Lewitt was wrongfully terminated. He was placed back on the force in 2008 after undergoing a series of background checks.

Find out what's happening in Hermosa Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Despite getting his job back, Lewitt still sued the city and former police Chief Michael Lavin for the costs incurred during the ordeal.

Lewitt argued the reason he wasn't immediately reinstated was retaliation for comments he had made in the media criticizing the department and city officials.

In settling the suit, the city agreed to purge his internal affair files. By Sept. 13, Lewitt is owed a final $20,000 from the city for its attempt to go back on the terms and conditions of the original settlement reached on record, Glave said.

Lewitt earned $97,448.85 last year in base salary and benefits, according to city records.

As more information is released, Patch will report it.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Hermosa Beach