A discrimination and retaliation lawsuit has been filed against the Somerset Police Department.
According to a report from the Commonwealth Journal in Somerset, Somerset Police Department employees Elgin Pettus and Justin Creech filed the lawsuit, claiming they were denied opportunities for promotions within the department, as well as new equipment.
Pettus claims that he was passed over for promotions due to being the only Black officer in the department for the majority of his career.
Creech claims that he was retaliated against after voicing concerns about discrimination against Pettus.
City officials have denied any claims of discrimination or retaliation and have requested the lawsuit be dismissed or moved to a jury trial.
As of now, a hearing date for the lawsuit has not been published.
