City of Pomona to Pay $2.5 Million to Settle Retaliation Lawsuit Brought by Two Acquitted Officers

Wagner Zemming Christensen LLP Represents Officers in Landmark Employment Rights Case

Los Angeles, CA – July 4, 2025 – Wagner Zemming Christensen LLP is proud to announce a $2.5 million settlement on behalf of two former Pomona Police Department supervisors who were acquitted of all criminal charges but faced retaliatory workplace treatment upon reinstatement. The City of Pomona finalized the agreement on April 16, 2025, resolving a five-year legal battle that highlighted key issues of due process, employment rights, and departmental accountability.

Background and Legal Proceedings

The case stems from a 2015 incident involving then-retired Cpl. Chad Jensen and retired Sgt. Michael Neaderbaomer, who, along with another officer, were indicted in 2017 following a controversial altercation with a teenager at the Los Angeles County Fairplex. Although the criminal cases ultimately ended in full acquittals—including a hung jury followed by a retrial for Jensen and Hutchinson, and a separate trial for Neaderbaomer—their careers took a downward spiral.

Despite being reinstated, the officers were stripped of all meaningful responsibilities and reassigned to perform menial, civilian-style labor. In May 2020, they filed a federal lawsuit alleging retaliation by then-Police Chief Michael Olivieri, who explicitly stated he did not want them interacting with the public due to unresolved internal affairs matters and prior media scrutiny.

Terms of the Settlement

Under the settlement terms, Jensen will receive $525,000, Neaderbaomer $725,000, and $1.2 million will be awarded to cover attorneys’ fees and litigation costs. The Pomona City Council has approved the full $2.5 million payout.

“This resolution sends a strong message that public employees cannot be punished for standing up for their rights,” said attorney Daniel Moussatche of Wagner Zemming Christensen LLP. “Our clients were fully exonerated, yet denied the opportunity to resume their careers. This settlement affirms their dignity and restores the reputational harm they suffered.”

Judicial Rulings Catalyze Settlement

The case reached a turning point on March 17 when Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Bradley S. Phillips ruled to exclude key evidence the city had planned to present, including video footage and trial records. The judge found the materials likely to be prejudicial, significantly weakening the city's defense and prompting settlement discussions.

Balancing Justice and Public Trust

“The City of Pomona continues to deny wrongdoing, but the court’s rulings narrowed their options considerably,” said Assistant City Manager Mark J. Gluba. “This complex matter illustrates the difficulty municipalities face when navigating the intersection of public accountability and employee rights.”

Current Status

Jensen retired in 2021 and Neaderbaomer followed in 2022. A third officer, Prince Taylor Hutchinson, who was acquitted in the same criminal matter, was not part of the lawsuit and continues to serve as a detective.

Wagner Zemming Christensen LLP is honored to have represented these officers in a case that highlights not only the importance of legal due process but the necessity of safeguarding employees from post-acquittal retaliation.

About Wagner Zemming Christensen LLP

Wagner Zemming Christensen LLP is a leading Southern California law firm dedicated to advocating for clients in civil rights, employment, and municipal liability matters. The firm is known for its strategic litigation and commitment to justice, especially in complex and high-stakes public service cases.

For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact Wagner Zemming Christensen LLP at www.wzclawfirm.com.