Settlement Reached In Lawsuit Against Ramsey Co.
ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed against Ramsey County by a former Metro Gang Strike Force deputy, according to the deputy's lawyer.
On May 17, 2011, the Ramsey County Board voted to approve a settlement that paid Deputy Christopher Tayson and his attorney's $82,500, according to a press release released Tuesday.
On Oct. 13, 2010, Tayson brought a suit against Ramsey County, Sheriff Robert Fletcher and Chief Deputy David Metusalem, and accused them of publicly stating or implying that he had improperly obtained property or cash during his tenure with the Strike Force. As a result, Tayson was suspended for the alleged conduct.
Tayson alleged that the Defendants made these public statements in order to deflect negative political opinion toward Fletcher, who was the fiscal agent of the Strike Force when the property and cash allegedly went missing.
Tayson has always denied that he did anything wrong and has always maintained that the Defendants' motives were purely political, Tayson's attorney said.
In 2005, Tayson was named Minnesota's "Officer of the Year" as well as Ramsey County "Deputy of the Year." He also received the "Medal of Valor" for apprehending a felon.
In addition to the $82,500, Tayson received back pay for the time he was placed on suspension.
