The Little Rock Board of Directors voted Tuesday to approve a $450,000 settlement, ending a nearly five-year legal dispute involving a former police officer.
David Mattox sued the city and former Little Rock Police Chief Keith Humphrey in 2021, alleging mistreatment within the department. The lawsuit stemmed from Mattox’s termination in 2020 after he was accused of untruthfulness and conducting an unauthorized investigation.
The investigation involved a man accused of exposing himself to women in Little Rock. Mattox’s wife was among the alleged victims. According to the department, Mattox participated in aspects of the case, including searches and the suspect’s arrest, despite department policy prohibiting officers from working cases involving family members.
After being terminated, Mattox appealed the decision and received a 30-day suspension instead. He later left the department.
Mattox was one of four officers who filed suit against the city. The case had been scheduled for a jury trial this year, but the city and the Arkansas Municipal League agreed to settle. The settlement cost will be split between the two entities.
It was not immediately clear how the settlement funds would be divided among the four plaintiffs. City officials declined to comment on the litigation, and the attorney representing the officers has not responded to requests for comment.
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