At its Tuesday meeting, the Fort Worth City Council voted unanimously to allocate up to $100,000 for legal representation in a complex whistleblower lawsuit involving the city’s police crime laboratory. The motion, introduced by Council member Carlos Flores, approved attorney Courtney Perez of the BakerHostetler firm to continue defending the city.
Background of the lawsuit
Former forensic scientist Trisa Crutcher filed a 174‑page whistleblower complaint in 2020 alleging violations within the Fort Worth Police Crime Lab. She was terminated in 2021, and the Texas Commission on Forensic Science later confirmed policy violations, though it stopped short of labeling them misconduct.
Crutcher pursued two separate lawsuits—one filed in 2020 and another in 2023—asserting retaliation for reporting the alleged violations. The cases were consolidated and sent to mediation, resulting in an $850,000 settlement that the city announced in April 2024.
Appeal and appellate ruling
Crutcher later contested the settlement, claiming she never agreed to it. In March, the Texas Court of Appeals for the Fifth District in Dallas sided with her, describing the settlement as “alleged” and remanding the matter to the 193rd State District Court.
Although the city had already paid the $850,000 into a court registry, the appellate court found the city had not met its burden of proof that Crutcher expressly acquiesced to the judgment. The court also noted that the record did not indicate whether the paid funds had been dissipated.
City’s response and next steps
City Attorney Leann Guzman confirmed the council’s decision to fund the additional legal fees and stated the city does not intend to appeal the appellate ruling. Crutcher’s attorney, Kennedy of Kennedy Law P.C., continues to represent her and is seeking reinstatement to her former position, among other relief.
The council’s approval of the legal budget reflects a commitment to ensure the city’s interests are adequately represented while respecting the appellate process. It also underscores the importance of fiscal oversight in municipal legal matters, a core concern for Fort Worth residents who expect responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Implications for Fort Worth
By allocating resources for continued legal representation, the council aims to protect the city’s financial and reputational standing. The decision also highlights the ongoing tension between municipal authorities and former employees who allege retaliation, a dynamic that can impact public trust in local institutions.
Fort Worth voters and taxpayers will be watching how the case proceeds, particularly as it relates to the city’s handling of internal oversight, employee rights, and the prudent use of public funds.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
