Bid to Overturn Award to Ex-Policewomen Rejected

A Los Angeles federal court judge has rejected an attempt by the city of Long Beach to throw out a $3.1-million verdict awarded to two former policewomen who said they were sexually harassed by their male colleagues on the force.

U.S. District Judge Richard Gadbois refused Monday to dismiss the verdict outright, but delayed ruling on a separate request by the city for a new trial. Ex-officers Lindsey Allison and Melissa Clerkin alleged that they were humiliated by male officers, forced to look at pornographic photographs and placed in physical danger by officers who allowed their police dogs to attack the women.

Gadbois has yet to rule on a separate claim for sex discrimination under federal employment law, as well as on whether the $3.1-million verdict is excessive.