LAPD sergeant wins $1.1M in bias case

An Los Angeles Police Department sergeant who claimed he was the victim of retaliation for being gay awarded $1.16 million on Thursday by a jury.

Jurors deliberated about a day before finding in favor of Sgt. Ronald Crump.

"This was not a case about Ronald Crump being gay, but about the department's retaliation against him," his his attorney, Gregory Smith.

Crump maintained he was transferred from the LAPD's Media Relations Section in 2009 after complaining about his treatment from his boss, Lt. John Romero. That left the sergeant without a chance for significant promotions and pay increases, Smith said.

"He's not going anywhere in this department," Smith said during closing arguments Wednesday. "He is finished forever. They have completely destroyed his career for any advancement or promotion."

Deputy City Attorney Daniel Aguilera declined to comment after the verdict.

During the trial, however, Deputy City Attorney Shaun Dabby Jacobs, told jurors that Crump did not lose rank or pay with his transfer and he how earns about $110,000 annually. She also said the sergeant had worked several months for media relations before he complained about alleged mistreatment.

Crump claimed Romero resented him because he is gay.

Crump, who is 39 and has worked for the LAPD for 16 years, said he was pleased with the award, but found it difficult to "sue the city I love."

Crump said he is still proud to be a member of the LAPD. He said he took legal action to help other employees who also may be mistreated by members of a command staff he believes in many ways is insensitive to the needs of the rank and file.

Crump said he never went out of his way to make his sexual orientation front and center in the workplace.

"I didn't walk around with a gay flag," Crump said.

Mary Grady, the LAPD's public information director, testified she moved Crump because he did not get along with Romero, who is now a captain and is no longer in media relations.