Former police chief Theetge responds to firing, attorney announces legal action

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Former police chief Teresa Theetge and her attorney responded to her firing publicly Friday after a monthslong investigation into her effectiveness within the job.

Steven Imm, Theetge’s attorney, introduced that Theetge would enchantment town’s determination, request an neutral listening to and file a lawsuit in opposition to the mayor and metropolis supervisor for violations of rights, alleging gender discrimination and lack of due course of.

“The worst part is they knew what they were doing was wrong. But when it came to Theetge, the mayor and city manager have never been interested in doing what is right. They are only interested in doing what they think is best for their own image and political stature,” Imm stated throughout the press convention.

Imm alleged that Mayor Aftab Purevall’s political ambitions have been a significant component in Theetge’s firing, stating Purevall threatened to fireplace Long if she did not fireplace the now-former police chief.

“This will be found to be an illegal termination. She will be back,” Imm stated.

The attorney additionally introduced {that a} recording of the disciplinary assembly between city ​​manager Sharyl Long and Theetge in early April. will probably be launched, proving the allegations in opposition to Theetge have been false.

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After being suspended in October following a string of high-profile crimes within the metropolis, City Manager Sheryl Long introduced Thursday that Theetge could be fired instantly.

City officers cited “insubordination, inefficiency, unsatisfactory performance, and dishonesty” in her dismissal letter.

Imm stated that Theetge’s mirrors the firing of Former Cincinnati Fire Chief Michael Washingtonwho filed a wrongful termination lawsuit which was upheld in federal court docket.

He stated Thursday that he’ll proceed to combat for the previous chief, calling the city’s excuses “phony.”

Much of town’s criticism facilities on Theetge’s dealing with of the 2025 Summer Safety Plan and the police response after two shootings close to Fountain Square in October 2025.

The metropolis aleges that Theetge didn’t meet workers necessities, opposed a stronger police presence within the city core and refused assist from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Mayor recollects giant settlement for resignation

Mayor Pureval claimed Thursdsay that Theetge stated a number of instances she would step down if issues bought dangerous earlier than altering her thoughts and demanding $7.5 million.

“The Mayor was referencing a demand that was made in October before she was placed on leave. The City has not disclosed any information related to the mediation and did not violate the confidentiality agreement,” Mollie Lair, Cincinnati director of communications, stated.

Regarding Imm’s claims that the mayor ordered Long to fireplace the previous police chief, the mayor’s workplace refuted, stating Purevall had no involvement in Long’s determination to fireplace Theetge.

“The Mayor has consistently been clear on the fact that it is not true, and that he did not direct the City Manager’s decisions in this personnel issue,” Jack Willingham, communications director with the Office of the Mayor, stated.

City Manager Sheryl Long refused to speculate on the potential of a lawsuit and the burden that it might have on taxpayers when requested Thursday.

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