City accepts dismissal of RPD major’s lawsuit

The city of Richmond is not pursuing further legal action after a special judge dismissed Richmond Police Department Major Adam Blanton’s lawsuit against Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman.

Mayor Ron Oler issued a news release Aug. 7 standing behind the lawsuit Blanton filed, which the city then joined, after Shipman placed Blanton on the county’s Brady-Giglio list that identifies law enforcement officers whose court testimony could be challenged based on prior actions. Oler said the city responded “with rational thought and action.”

The mayor’s office paid $34,559.22 for a third-party investigation, which the release said found no misconduct warranting Shipman’s inclusion of Blanton on the Brady-Giglio list. Shipman said Blanton made false statements involving a murder investigation and a social media stunt. The investigators advised the city that legal action was warranted “to uphold the principle that decisions made impacting someone’s professional reputation must be based in fairness, due process and transparency,” according to Oler’s release.

RPD paid Indianapolis law firm Bose McKinney & Evans $71,362.54 for legal representation during the lawsuit, the release said, putting the total cost at $105,921.76. Henry County Judge Bob Witham, serving as a special judge, heard testimony and arguments from both sides before granting Shipman’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. He ruled that Shipman’s action was part of his duty as prosecutor and, therefore, was immune to civil action.

Oler’s release said the lawsuit was not about protecting one officer but protecting the integrity of the city’s first responders. “Our focus remains on strengthening partnerships, fostering professionalism and building public trust. That’s what the people of Richmond deserve — and that’s where we’re headed,” the release said.

After Blanton filed the lawsuit, Richmond Common Council voted 8-0 that the city and the police department should not pay for the legal action; however, that vote was toothless because previously appropriated money was paying the bills. 

During council’s Aug. 4 meeting, council was told the lawsuit was not resolved because the city was still within a 10-day window to file additional actions. Council member Jerry Purcell said that when there was a final resolution, council should conduct its own investigation into the situation. No action was taken at the time.