By Zac Oakes, WJRS News Director
Former Russell Springs Assistant Police Chief Melissa Taylor has filed a lawsuit against Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas.
The lawsuit, filed Friday in Russell Circuit Court, alleges gender discrimination in the hiring process for Russell Springs Police Chief that took place last year.
Taylor worked for Russell Springs Police for more than 17 years, during which time she held positions such as patrol officer, sergeant, assistant chief, and was promoted to interim police chief following the retirement of former chief Joe Michael Irvin in July 2020.
Taylor held the position of interim chief until the city announced that Tim Pierce would be the department’s new chief in March 2021.
Taylor alleges that she was discriminated against during the hiring process because she is a female and the reasons given for the city’s decision to hire Pierce instead of her were “invalid and pre-textual.”
As part of the lawsuit, Taylor is seeking damages for loss of income and loss of income to be incurred in the future and embarrassment, humiliation and severe emotional distress.
Taylor is being represented by Carroll & Turner P.S.C in Monticello.