Former Bethlehem police officer Chris Hughes was unsuccessful in his civil case against the town alleging that Chief Louis Corsi had retaliated against him for his union activities and bringing to light the chief’s use of a racial slur in a taped conversation.
There were no damages awarded following the five-day trial, but on Friday, Nov. 7, the jury did find that Hughes’ first amendment rights pertaining to the health and safety of the community were violated. That decision was in reference to Hughes’ speaking out about a fellow officer’s conduct while on the clock. However, the jury found any disciplinary actions that took place as a result would have happened regardless of Hughes speaking out.
Spotlight reporter Marcy Velte was at the trial all week and will be providing additional details in the Wednesday, Nov. 12, print edition of Spotlight News.
