Ashland says former officer cannot work in city’s police department as part of settlement

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Ashland announced in a Monday afternoon press release that a lawsuit filed by former police officer Thomas Whitener has been settled.

Whitener’s attorney, Andy Hirth of TGH Litigation, announced on June 4 that a $1 million settlement was reached. Hirth told ABC 17 News at the time that it would be formally settled “in the coming week.”

Whitener sued Ashland in 2023, claiming the city did not follow state law dictating the procedures by which a city can fire a police officer. Whitener said the city retaliated against him after reporting misconduct by former Chief Gabe Edwards, who left in 2023 amid a state investigation into his use of a law enforcement search system.

The state is currently seeking discipline against Edwards, according to reporting from last week.

The city wrote in its Monday press release that “Whitener will not return to employment as a law enforcement officer with the City of Ashland.” The city also claimed several changes have occurred since the lawsuit was filed.

“These efforts include enhancements to law enforcement background investigation procedures, improvements to personnel record retention and documentation practices, and updates to employee performance evaluation systems,” the release says.