Ex-Tenino police chief files suit against city, mayor

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A former Tenino police chief is suing the city and the mayor who fired him over alleged defamatory statements.

The Olympian reports the complaint filed by John Hutchings claims Mayor Bret Brodersen made false and defamatory statements against him. The alleged statements were made in a news release issued in March regarding Brodersen's decision to terminate Hutchings.

The suit says the reputation of the former police chief, who was hired in 2012, has been ruined within the community and law enforcement as a result of the statements.

Hutchings is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.

The mayor said he could not comment on pending litigation. In the news release, Brodersen said Hutchings was fired for working extra hours and overstepping his authority.