Stuttering Ohio Cop Claims Discrimination

A Monroe (Ohio) Police officer with a stutter was subjected to discrimination and to ridicule and harassment resulting in a hostile work environment, according to a lawsuit filed by the officer that also alleges violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act.

Officer Ken Parson has had a stutter since childhood, but it wasn't readily noticeable when he was hired as a road patrol officer in Monroe in southwest Ohio in 2001, according to the lawsuit filed earlier this month.

Parson's attorney, John Scaccia, said Monday his client was informed last week that his employment with the city would end on Dec. 31. Scaccia says the firing is retaliation for the lawsuit. Messages seeking comment from city officials on Parson's employment status and the lawsuit were not immediately returned Monday.

Read the full Associated Press story.