Hardesty Files Lawsuit Over Leak In Hit & Run

PORTLAND, Ore. — A $5 million lawsuit has been filed by City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty.  She’s suing the union for Portland Police, it’s former president Brian Hunzeker and Officer Kerri Ottoman.  The suit claims the commissioner was erroneously identified as a suspect in a hit and run.

The suit seeks $3 million from the Portland Police Association and $1 million each from Hunzeker and Ottoman.  The suit also wants a dollar from the City of Portland and confirmation that it violated Commissioner Hardesty’s right to be free from race-based distinctions, discrimination or restrictions.

In a statement, Hardesty’s attorneys Mathew Ellis and Stephen Brischetto said employees leaked the information to punish Hardesty for her opposition to “discrimination by the Portland Police against communities of color” and to force her out of office.

“Commissioner Hardesty’s advocacy for true police accountability and reform makes her Public Enemy No. 1 for many at the PPB and PPA, Commissioner Hardesty will not be silenced.”