Sewell to File Suit over MPD Termination

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The attorney for the Memphis Police Association plans to file a federal lawsuit over the firing of the union's president. Wednesday, the Memphis Police Department terminated patrolman J.D. Sewell after nearly 3 decades of service.

A look at Sewell's personnel file reveals he's been fired by MPD before, but was able to return to the force.

According to Memphis Police Department records, J.D. Sewell's recent termination is the second such in his 28 year career as an officer.

In 1991, Sewell, who is also the President of the Memphis Police Association, was fired after being accused of unnecessary force, among other things, following a hit and run report involving his personal car and a juvenile driver. However, the Civil Service Commission reversed Sewell's termination and returned him to duty.

This time, Memphis Police Association attorney Deborah Godwin says Sewell is the victim of retaliation, alleging his termination Wednesday is the result of his recent exposure of improper practices on behalf of the MPD administration.

"They were actually determining discipline before an officer was able to have a fair hearing," said Deborah Godwin.

Godwin plans to contest Sewell's termination by filing a federal lawsuit, targeting the City of Memphis and possibly Police Director Larry Godwin, whom she's not related to.

When reached by phone, Director Godwin stood by his department's disciplinary procedures.

"Every officer gets a fair and impartial hearing and has a representative of their choosing," said Director Godwin.

MPD said it fired Sewell after an investigation revealed he used his influence to interfere with another officer's January 12 case on animal cruelty charges.

"He called the judge himself, which is a violation of policy," said Director Godwin. "Our policy says you will not contact the courts and do what he did."

"Making a phone call to assist an officer not to be arrested; rather, to be able to turn themselves in is routine procedure," countered Deborah Godwin.

Attorney Godwin says she plans to file the lawsuit seeking injuctive relief, damages and attorney's fees in the next week or so.

Sewell will remain MPA President for now.