Former N.C. Officer Sues Town Over Firing

A former Leland (N.C.) PD officer is suing the town, claiming its manager and police chief decided to fire him before investigating his conduct, reports the Wilmington Star-News . He is suing for at least $40,000 in damages.

John Christian Blasingame was one of five officers suspended on April 13, 2012. Blasingame, Rick Dellapia, and Bill Kozak were fired on April 20, 2012, with cause, while Michael Landen and Karl Smith resigned shortly after their suspensions.

Blasingame alleged in court filings that Leland Town Manager David Hollis and then-Interim Police Chief Mike James agreed to fire him before asking the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office to investigate the Leland Police Department on April 4, 2012.

Blasingame was fired for multiple policy violations, according to the initial filing, including computer trespass, assault by pointing a gun, conduct unbecoming an officer and insubordination. Blasingame alleges he was not provided with anything to back those claims.