After deliberating for more than a day, an eight-person federal jury found the city of Fresno guilty of racial discrimination, awarding lead plaintiff La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson, who is Black, $15 million in damages on Wednesday afternoon.

“Although these allegations preceded my administration, there is no question this verdict will have a significant financial impact on the city of Fresno.” —Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer

The jury awarded the second plaintiff, Charles Smith, who is white, $400,000.

Both formerly worked in the city’s code enforcement division.

“They’re exposed. They made me seem like I was an angry black woman stereotype,” Wilson said after the verdict for the 10-day trial. “I’m so glad that the jury saw past that.”

As for Smith, he talked about “starting a rock ‘n’ roll band” with his award.

Jury members declined to comment to GV Wire.

Dyer’s Reaction

Following the verdict, which was read to the court at about 4:30 p.m., Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer issued a statement.

“I would like to thank the jurors for their time and service,” Dyer said. “Although these allegations preceded my administration, there is no question this verdict will have a significant financial impact on the city of Fresno.”

Though he didn’t defend the city in court, City of Fresno Attorney Andrew Janz told GV Wire: “I’d like to thank Judge (Kirk E.) Sherriff for hearing the matter and the jury for their service. I will not provide further comment as litigation may be ongoing.”

Court Testimony: Supervisor Used the ‘N-Word’ to Describe Wilson

During the trial, Wilson said she was treated differently and suspected it was because of her race. Smith testified that a supervisor, Howard Lacy, used the “N-word” to describe Wilson in private conversation.

In testimony, Wilson and Smith said they were harassed and retaliated against for complaining about the slur and other grievances.

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson (right) consults with her attorney Gary Goyette during a break in testimony earlier in the trial. Wilson, a former code enforcement officer,  was awarded $15 million after a federal jury upheld her allegations that the city of Fresno racially discriminated against her. (GV Wire/David Taub/File)
Attorney Fees

Plaintiffs lawyers Kevin Schwin and Gary Goyette will file a separate motion for attorney fees. Those fees would include recovery for the Fresno City Employees Union, which funded the lawsuit.

Mandy Jeffcoach was the lead attorney for the city’s defense team.

Previous GV Wire coverage of the case is at this link and this link.