Officer’s ex-wife, son file lawsuit

A lawsuit has been filed with Orange County Superior Court against the city alleging a conspiracy among numerous city employees to cover up abuse by a Huntington Beach police officer charged with assaulting and threatening his wife.

The ex-wife and son of Officer James Roberts III claim his actions were allowed by city employees, including the Huntington Beach Police Department.

The lawsuit was filed Nov. 24.

The city has not been served with the lawsuit, said Gordon Eliason, the city’s liability claims coordinator.

Shannon Roberts and her son filed claims with the city for an unknown amount of more than $10,000 in damages in October. A claim is the precursor to a lawsuit.

The city is also accused of negligently hiring and supervising its employees, violating officer domestic violence policies and repeat harassment, coercion and assault and battery by officers.

The situation was allegedly covered up by officers and city employees, allowing the abuse to continue.

James Roberts pleaded not guilty to 17 felony charges and is out on $250,000 bail. He is scheduled to begin pre-trial at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 11.

— Britney Barnes