Detroit — A Detroit police commissioner has dropped his defamation lawsuit against the Detroit Police Department, two unions and individual police officers after he said he and city officials worked out their differences.
One of the defendants, however, said Monday he did nothing wrong and had been looking forward to his day in court.
Darious Morris claimed in the Wayne County Circuit Court lawsuit, filed earlier this month, that DPD command officers launched a “campaign of defamation and harassment” against him by falsely accusing him of doxing police officers after he complained about two incidents in January on social media.
Conrad Mallet, the city’s corporation counsel, responded by saying Morris may have created a conflict by suing officers over whom he has oversight. But Mallett said Monday the issues have been ironed out.
“I applaud Commissioner Morris’s decision to dismiss his lawsuit against the City of Detroit and the other named parties,” Mallett said in a statement. “This decision makes clear his primary focus is serving the constituents of his district. I am certain the citizens of Detroit are grateful this issue was worked out amicably so that everyone’s attention can stay focused squarely on the important work being done by DPD and the Board of Police Commissioners.”
Morris, who represents District 3, said he wasn’t looking for money by filing his lawsuit.
“This lawsuit was never about money,” Morris said in a statement. “It was about accountability and standing up against what I believed was an injustice. I was the subject of a complaint that I maintain was knowingly false, which resulted in an investigation in which I was ultimately exonerated. I also believe false public accusations were made against me.”
Union president says he wanted the Morris lawsuit tried in court
The lawsuit, filed June 8 in Wayne County Circuit Court, names as defendants the city of Detroit, the Detroit Police Department, the Detroit Police Command Officers Association and the Detroit Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association, LSA President Mark Young, along with officers Stacy Alvarado, Sonia Russell and Matthew Fulgenzi.
Young said he wanted the case to go to court.
“It had no merit,” Young said. “I was never served, never had a conversation with anyone; I was surprised to see my name on the lawsuit. I did nothing wrong, and I was looking forward to (the lawsuit) going to court and was preparing to proceed.”
Morris said he meant to send a message by filing the lawsuit.
“Filing the lawsuit was my way of making it clear that I would not be intimidated, silenced, or discouraged from carrying out my duties as an elected official through fear of retaliation,” Morris said. “At the same time, I love the City of Detroit. My goal has never been to harm the city or its residents. Throughout this process, I remained committed to finding a solution that protected both my interests and the interests of the city. I believe the discussions we had accomplished exactly that.
As a result of this mutual understanding, I am satisfied that my concerns have been addressed,” Morris said. “This outcome demonstrates that difficult disputes can be resolved through meaningful dialogue, accountability, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for our community. I remain committed to serving the people of Detroit with integrity, fairness, and dedication.”
Morris, 38, was elected as a write-in candidate to the police board nine months after he was released from probation following his guilty plea for assaulting a police officer in 2023. The charges stemmed from Warren, where he threatened to shoot a police officer. Morris also pleaded guilty in 2009 to impersonating a public official and forgery. He served two years in prison.
ghunter@detroitnews.com
(313) 222-2134
@GeorgeHunter_DN
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit commissioner, police iron out dispute, but union head welcomed fight
Reporting by George Hunter, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By George Hunter, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
