Former Flossmoor Police Chief Jerel Jones agreed to a settlement Thursday, Oct. 24, in a lawsuit he filed in March against the Village of Flossmoor, Mayor Michelle Nelson and Village Manager Bridget Wachtel, according to U.S. District Court records.
Jones filed the suit on March 11.
that he filed suit against Flossmoor. (Chronicle file photo)
Sotos Law Firm, which represented the village and village officials, provided a copy of a statement released Thursday by Disparti Law Group, which represented Jones:
“Following extensive discussions, the Village and Mr. Jones have come to an understanding regarding their respective viewpoints about the case. Plaintiff Jones has agreed to enter into an agreed settlement to resolve the case and to end the litigation in its entirety and allow both sides to move forward.”
Jones was hired as Flossmoor’s first Black police chief at the end of March 2023. According to the lawsuit, his relationship with Wachtel became strained, especially following Fall Fest in September 2023, when she criticized his performance in managing security at the downtown festival.
Rumors about his impending termination generated considerable concern in the community, bringing a standing-room-only crowd to the March 4 board meeting.
On March 7, Nelson posted a statement she said was intended to provide the community with context for the village’s actions, noting that “there have been serious operational and administrative lapses under his watch. … It has become clear that it is best for the village if all parties part ways.”
Four days later, Jones filed suit in U.S. District Court, alleging his civil rights had been violated and that his performance reviews were based on racial bias.
On March 18, the village countered with a motion to strike what it termed “scandalous material” from Jones’ complaint.
That night, the board voted to fire Jones. Trustees were split, so Nelson cast the tie-breaking vote.
On April 5, Jones filed an amended complaint, and the village withdrew the motion to strike scandalous statements. The village also filed a point-by-point answer to Jones’ allegations.
Residents opposed to Jones’ firing held demonstrations outside village hall during March. Although the number of people speaking on the issue has dwindled since, residents continue to comment on the subject at meetings.
In September, Jones was hired as deputy police chief in Richton Park.
Related stories:
- Flossmoor residents fill board room to show support for police chief (March 5, 2024)
- Flossmoor mayor says police chief will leave after less than a year at the helm (March 7, 2024).
- Former Flossmoor police chief files federal lawsuit charging racially motivated treatment (March 11, 2024).
- Jones’ supporters rally at Flossmoor Village Hall on Monday (March 11, 2024).
- In split vote, Flossmoor trustees fire Police Chief Jerel Jones (March 18, 2024).
- Residents continue to call for transparency, discuss racial implications of police chief firing (March 20, 2024).
- Calls for transparency continue at Flossmoor Community Relations Commission meeting (March 31, 2024).
- Flossmoor board in stalemate over explanation of police chief firing (April 2, 2024).
- Flossmoor files response to former police chief’s federal lawsuit (April 5, 2024).
- Supporters cheer Jerel Jones at Richton Park board meeting (Sept. 11, 2024).
