BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 A judge has overturned a jury verdict that previously awarded more than $700,000 to a Bakersfield fire captain who claimed the city failed to prevent racial discrimination in its fire department.<\/p>\n
In a written ruling filed this week, a Kern County Superior Court judge granted the City of Bakersfield\u2019s motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, setting aside the jury\u2019s November decision in favor of Fire Capt. Quincy Sloan. The judge also granted the city\u2019s motion for a new trial.<\/p>\n
Sloan had sued the city alleging racial discrimination after he said he was repeatedly passed over for promotion. In November, a jury found the city failed to prevent discrimination and awarded Sloan more than $700,000 in damages.<\/p>\n
However, the judge ruled the jury reached legally inconsistent conclusions, finding that discrimination did not occur while still holding the city liable for failing to prevent it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI anticipated it just simply because you,\u201d Sloan said in an interview. \u201cYou plan for the worst and you hope for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sloan said he remains confident as the case moves forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it helps me to anticipate what\u2019s going to happen,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like I\u2019m a lot more prepared for the courtroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
He described the ruling as part of an ongoing legal process.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you look at the actual orders that the jury has to follow, so there\u2019s just clarification that needs to be handled,\u201d Sloan said. \u201cThis is round two.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sloan said he expects to continue fighting the case with his legal team.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I expect that my attorney will do everything she can to fight for my rights,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Sloan also said he stands by his claims.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe truth will come out,\u201d he said. \u201cI have not, I mean, there\u2019s nothing to lie about \u2014 at least for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The city attorney\u2019s office declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.<\/p>\n
If Sloan appeals the ruling and it is overturned, the judge\u2019s order granting a new trial would take effect.<\/p>\n
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