Suspended NLV officer seeks injunction against city

A North Las Vegas Police officer has turned to the courts in an attempt to keep his job.

District Court Judge Gary Redmon has scheduled April 14 to hear Officer John Armstrong's request for a preliminary injunction against the city, following the judge's denial last week of the officer's request to issue a temporary restraining order.

Armstrong, who was relieved of duty Nov. 12, 1998, following a sexual harassment claim made by a fellow officer, said the restraining order would have prevented the city from investigating the sexual harassment charges against Armstrong -- charges he claims the city has already found him guilty of without following proper procedure.

"The order said the city didn't follow its own policy," he said. "The city has no accountability, which is why we are taking them to court."

If issued, the injunction would prevent city officials from further investigations as well.

The court action is the result of a letter City Manager Pat Importuna sent Armstrong's attorney stating that Importuna had found sufficient evidence to schedule a disciplinary hearing for Armstrong.

"He never interviewed me or the (alleged victim)," Armstrong said. "How can Pat make a fair judgment if he never had a statement from me or (alleged victim)?"

Importuna refuses to discuss the case, saying it is a private, personnel matter.

The administrative hearing, at which Armstrong will be allowed to respond to the charges, is set for April 15.

Armstrong, who is asking the judge to appoint an independent party to decide the case, said he asked for the preliminary injunction hearing to be held before his disciplinary hearing, at which he fears he will be fired.

"The judge is giving the city the opportunity to explain (its position), which the city didn't do for me," he said.

Armstrong said Mark Zalaoras, chief deputy city attorney who deals with personnel matters, has not turned over the investigation to Armstrong's attorney, Victor Perri, outlining the charges.

"So if my attorney doesn't know what I'm charged with, how can he represent me?" Armstrong asked.

Neither Zalaoras nor Perri could be reached for comment this morning.

This is the latest in a string of incidents and legal matters involving the North Las Vegas Police Department and its union.

North Las Vegas residents turned out at a council meeting last month concerned about problems in the police department. In March, allegations surfaced that a police officer reported to work smelling of alcohol.

There also were charges of corruption, and Police Chief Joey Tillmon was suspended for two days without pay.

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