Per the request of his doctor, the city has again extended Fullerton Police Chief Michael Sellers' medical leave.
Sellers first went on leave in August, in the wake of sharp criticism for how he handled the department after the July 5 beating of Kelly Thomas. In September, Sellers' doctor asked the city to extend the chief's medical leave for an extra 30 days, and the city agreed.
As that extra month nears its deadline, though, ABC News reports that Sellers will get another 60 days paid medical leave. The city also told ABC News that they're planning to have another doctor review records and give city officials a separate opinion within the next two weeks.
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Sylvia Palmer, a spokeswoman for the city, said she couldn't comment on the status of Sellers' leave, but said the Human Resources Department would know. Calls to the department haven't been returned.
In another example of not-so-good press for the police department, the city has tentatively reached a settlement in the case involving allegations of habitual sexual misconduct by a police officer, says John Upton, the lead attorney representing the alleged victims. Upton didn't share any details about the tentative settlement and the city's attorney didn't return a call.
“After about three years, our clients will now receive some measure of justice,” Upton told the Weekly in an email. “We hope that this case will lead to a safer Fullerton.”
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