An article saying that a Hastings police officer, Sgt. Cleon Brown, is suing the City of Hastings, its police chief, two police officers and its city manager for violating his civil rights, was aired in a news story on WOOD TV Saturday.
WBCH e-mailed City Manager Jeff Mansfield, Police Chief Jeff Pratt, and Brown’s attorney Karie Boylan, early Saturday morning asking for comment.
Pratt said that all comments on the matter will be handled by Mansfield.
“We are simply not at liberty to provide comment on this matter at this time,” Mansfield said. “We are of course in the process of addressing these allegations through the appropriate channels. We will do so as expeditiously as possible.”
Brown’s attorney alleged that Brown was harassed and his civil rights violated by fellow officers after he learned that he was 18 percent black, the news story said.
The city, Pratt, Mansfield, Deputy Chief Dale Boulter, and Sgt. Kris Miller are named in the suit, according to the aired report, which also said the lawsuit is for in excess of $500,000. WBCH will attempt to learn more details about the charges, where they were filed, the attorney for the city and possible court dates, as well as comments from Boylen and Brown.
Photo: Sgt. Cleon Brown displays a police camera mounted on his glasses in a file photo.