HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 06_Authorize Legal Representation – Detective Penny Hamrick Linh Tran Stephens v. Penny Hamrick, 25-CV-322-SEH-JFJ (2)CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA
RESOLUTION NO.2025-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA
RETAINING LEGAL SERVICES TO DEFEND PENNY HAMRICK AND AUTHORIZING
PAYMENT FOR A LEGAL DEFENSE FOR DETECTIVE PENNY HAMRICK
WHEREAS, Detective Penny Hamrick, Owasso Police Department, has been named in a
lawsuit, 25-CV-322-SEH-JFJ, Linh Tran Stephens v. Penny Hamrick, alleging violations of
constitutional rights, civil liberties, and deprivation of rights under color of law;
WHEREAS, Detective Penny Hamrick is required to respond to and defend the lawsuit filed by
Plaintiff, and is required to assert all claims it may have related to the issues raised by Plaintiff, in
this action;
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:
Thomas A. LeBlanc of the firm Best & Sharp is retained by the City to provide legal representation
for Detective Penny Hamrick in the case of Linh Tran Stephens v. Penny Hamrick, Federal Case
No. 25-CS-322-SEH-JFJ.
Dated this 5th day of August, 2025.
OF 0ly Alvin Fruga,
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urnmALutevens, City Clerk SEAL
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Approved as to F rm:?.�
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lie Lomb rdi, City Attorney
APPROVED BY
OWASSO CITY COUNCIL
REAL People • REAL Charscter• REAL CommunRy AUU 0 5 2025
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Julie Trout Lombardi, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Resolution 2025-06, retaining legal services to defend Detective Penny Hamrick
and authorization for payment of a legal defense for Detective Penny Hamrick in
the litigation styled Linh Tran Stephens v. Penny Hamrick 25-CV-322-SEH-JFJ
DATE: July 31, 2025
On July 9, 2025, a lawsuit was filed by Plaintiff in the Federal Court - United States District Court for
the Northern District of Oklahoma against Detective Penny Hamrick alleging violations of
constitutional rights, civil liberties, and deprivation of rights under color of law. Service of process
was made upon Detective Penny Hamrick on or about July 15, 2025, and an answer to the
Plaintiff's Petition is due to be filed by the City within twenty (20) days.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve Resolution 2025-06, retaining Thomas A. LeBlanc
and authorizing payment and provision of a legal defense for Detective Penny Hamrick in the
litigation styled Linh Tran Stephens v. Penny Hamrick 25-CV-322-SEH-JFJ, Federal Court - United
States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
ATTACHMENT:
Proposed Resolution 2025-06