Flossmoor settles lawsuit with fired Police Chief Jerel Jones, who alleged racial discrimination

Seven months after Jerel Jones’ firing as Flossmoor police chief, the village has settled a lawsuit alleging his firing was a form of racial discrimination.

The village agreed to pay Jones nearly $60,000 “to avoid the expense and distraction of lengthy litigation,” Mayor Michelle Nelson said in a statement Friday.

“Our priority has always been to serve the interests of our community, and we believe this resolution will allow us to focus our resources on continuing to provide high-quality services and promoting a positive and inclusive environment for all residents,” Nelson said. . “I look forward to continuing to work with residents and staff toward our shared goals.”

Nelson continues to deny all allegations. Village officials said Jones was fired less than a year into his service because of poor performance. However, Jones alleged in the lawsuit filed less than a week later that he was fired that the village retaliated against a complaint he filed on Oct. 5, 2023, about experiencing “disparate treatment” by Village Manager Bridgette Wachtel.

Wachtel was named in the lawsuit along with Nelson and the village.

Jones’ attorney, Cass Casper of the Disparti Law Group in Chicago, declined to comment on a joint statement issued to represent both Jones and the village of Flossmoor.

“After extensive discussions, the Village and Mr. Jones have reached an agreement on their respective positions on the matter,” the statement said. “Plaintiff Jones has agreed to enter into a settlement to resolve the matter, end the lawsuit in its entirety and allow both parties the opportunity to move forward.”

Casper said earlier Jones would dismiss the lawsuit if the mayor publicly apologized and reinstated Jones as police chief. The village named Carl Estelle as its next police chief in July.

Residents support Jones as packed village board meetings Prior to his firing, he defended him and sought answers to rumors that the chief’s job was in jeopardy.

Richton Park Jones hired appointed deputy police chief in September.

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