Closing statements will be heard tomorrow, Nov. 7, in a lawsuit filed by former Bethlehem police officer Christopher Hughes against the town and Police Chief Louis Corsi, accusing the police department of violating his First Amendment rights when he spoke out against what he said were problems within the department.
The case was brought to a jury trial, which started on Monday, Nov. 3, despite a serious of appeals by the town to have it dismissed. In March 2013, Chief Judge Gary Sharp of the New York State Court of Appeals denied the town’s motion for summary judgment, and on March 24 of this year, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld that decision, concluding there were issues of fact to be decided by a jury.
Spotlight reporter Marcy Velte has been at the trial, which began Monday, Nov. 3, all week and will be providing an update once the verdict has been reached. Check back at spotlightnews.com for the latest.
