Former Medina Police Chief Jeffrey Chen will file a claim for $14 million against the city for damages to his character caused by months of investigation and a subsequent firing.

In a claim that Chen and his attorney Marianne Jones filed with Medina June 24, Chen alleged racial discrimination, retaliation, due process violations and defamation. Chen claims that the situation, which involved a resignation last December that was later rescinded, followed by a four-month investigation that put all the issues into the public eye, has limited his ability to get a new job in law enforcement.

“Chen’s reputation has been significantly and permanently destroyed, such that he can no longer enjoy the career that he has worked his entire adult life to build,” according to Chen’s claim. “Chen has attempted and been denied every job that he has reasonably applied for within the scope of his training and capabilities.”

City Manager Donna Hanson did not return a phone call requesting comment before the Reporter’s deadline.

Chen’s firing became official April 27. Among the allegations against him from the city were improper use and access of the company email system. He was also reported to have forged documents to get tickets waived for certain individuals. The city also says Chen has improperly used equipment such as gas cards and electronics and destroyed public records during the investigations against him.

The public response has been immense and controversial. On behalf of Chen, more than 400 Medina citizens have signed a petition to bring him back. They have been vocal at council meetings and within the community. On the other side, people have spoken out to back the city administration’s decision and support for letting Chen go.

Following a public meeting earlier this month in which more than 100 citizens attended on Chen’s behalf, Jones requested mediation with the city to iron out the issues. But, in a two sentence response, attorney Stephanie Alexander wrote that the city declined the offer.

“After all the public outcry, I cannot understand the City Council’s logic in refusing to attempt to resolve this amicably,” Jones said. “Refusing to try resolution is certainly not what the public wants, but the majority of the City Council is not listening to the demand of hundreds of their vocal constituents.”

The claim with the city was the first step in beginning the court process, Jones said. She said they will next file a discrimination and retaliation claim with the state’s Human Rights Commission.

Nat Levy can be reached at 425-453-4290.