Federal lawsuit looms over former police chief & city

CALHOUN CITY, Miss. (WCBI)- A former police chief along with the city he was chief in is now facing a federal suit.

A complaint filed in Federal court states Tito Lopez and the city of Calhoun City violated a former officer’s First Amendment right.

Former Calhoun City Officer, Greg Sockwell is suing for wrongful termination after stating he faced retaliation after responding to a domestic call at the then, chief Lopez’s home.

In May of 2017, Sockwell was dispatched to a domestic disturbance.

The complaint states the Lopez’s girlfriend answered the door and that Lopez was agitated and stood back from the door.

Sockwell claims Lopez ordered him to leave at which he complied.

The next day, Sockwell met with Lopez who asked if he’d talked about the situation to anyone. Sockwell said he did with the dispatcher and deputy sheriff on duty.

That’s when Sockwell said things took a wrong turn.

Sockwell claims Lopez told other officers to not back up Sockwell and shun him.

The complaint stated Lopez made up false complaints against Sockwell to fire him which happened in July of 2017.

Sockwell is asking for back pay and benefits, compensation for damages and attorney fees.