HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 06_Retaining Legal Services _ Denton v. Scott Chambless, et. al.2017.06.06CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA
RESOLUTION 2017 -06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA
RETAINING LEGAL SERVICES TO DEFEND THE CITY OF OWASSO, AND PROVIDING A
DEFENSE FOR CHIEF OF POLICE SCOTT CHAMBLESS, IN LITIGATION STYLED MIKE
DEMON v. SCOTT CHAMBLESS, et al., UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA.
WHEREAS, The City of Owasso, Chief of Police Scott Chambless, and two agents of the
Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation have been named as defendants in litigation styled Mike
Denton v. Scott Chambless, Kevin Lanham, Chris Leamon, and City of Owasso, United States
District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, by means of a complaint filed on or about
May 18, 2017, alleging federal civil rights violations and claims of malicious prosecution;
WHEREAS, the City is required to respond to and defend this lawsuit, and it is additionally
appropriate to provide a defense in this matter for Chief Scott Chambless, in both his individual
and official capacities, because the allegations arise from actions taken by Chambless which
were within the scope of his duties as chief of the Owasso Police Department;
WHEREAS, approval of this resolution is in the best interest of the residents of the City of
Owasso.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Owasso, Oklahoma, as
follows:
A legal defense, for claims against him in both his individual and official capacities, will be
provided by the City of Owasso to Chief Scott Chambless in this matter.
Keith Wilkes of the firm of Newton, O'Conner, Turner & Ketchum is retained by the City to
represent both the City of Owasso and Chief Scott Chambless in the litigation styled Mike
Denton v. Scott Chambless, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of
Oklahoma.
ATTEST:
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Appr ed as to Form:
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Jul' Lombardi, City Attorney
Dated thi lh �Iay of June,
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F
nn, Mayor
APPROVED BY COUNCIL
The City Wit out Limits.
JUN p 6 &1
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Owasso
FROM: Julie Trout Lombardi
City Attorney
SUBJECT: Resolution 2017 -06 retaining legal services to defend the City of Owasso, and
providing a legal defense for Chief of Police Scott Chambless, in the litigation
styled Mike Denton v. Scott Chambless, et al., United States District Court for the
Northern District of Oklahoma
DATE: June 6, 2017
BACKGROUND:
On or about May 18, 2017, a lawsuit was filed against the City of Owasso, Chief Scott Chambless
and two agents of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) by Mike Denton. Mr.
Denton's action arises out of an event occurring on or about June 14, 2015, which resulted in
disciplinary action against Denton and a subsequent investigation by the OSBI. The lawsuit
alleges federal civil rights violations including right of assembly under the First Amendment and
malicious prosecution under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
PROPOSED ACTION:
Approval of proposed Resolution 2017 -06.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve Resolution 2017 -06 retaining Keith Wilkes of Newton,
O'Connor, Turner & Ketchum to defend the City of Owasso in the litigation styled Mike Denton v.
Scott Chambless, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and
also providing a legal defense in this matter for Chief Scott Chambless in both his official and
individual capacities.
ATTACHMENT:
Proposed Resolution 2017 -06