Controversy Hits Cincinnati: The Legal War Following the Firing of Police Chief Teresa Theetge
The city of Cincinnati is currently embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle after the dismissal of former police chief Teresa Theetge. What the city administration calls a necessary personnel move, Theetge’s legal team describes as a “shameful” act of political retaliation and gender discrimination.
A Fight for Due Process and Equality
Following a month-long investigation into her performance, Chief Theetge was abruptly fired. However, her attorney, Steven Imm, is not letting the decision stand. In a recent press conference, Imm announced that Theetge will appeal the city’s decision and file a comprehensive lawsuit against both the mayor and the city manager.
The lawsuit is expected to center on several critical claims:
- Gender Discrimination: Allegations that Theetge was targeted based on her gender.
- Lack of Due Process: Claims that the city bypassed fair legal and administrative procedures.
- Political Motivation: Imm suggests that Mayor Aftab Purevall’s political ambitions played a primary role in the decision to remove the chief.
“The worst part is they knew what they were doing was wrong… They are only interested in doing what they think is best for their own image and political stature,” stated attorney Steven Imm.
The City’s Defense: Inefficiency and Insubordination
On the other side of the conflict, City Manager Sheryl Long and city officials maintain that the termination was based purely on professional failures. In the official dismissal letter, the city cited several reasons for the firing, including:
- Insubordination and a refusal to follow leadership directives.
- Inefficiency and unsatisfactory job performance.
- Dishonesty regarding internal city matters.
Much of the city’s criticism focuses on Theetge’s management of the 2025 Summer Safety Plan and the police response to violent shootings near Fountain Square in October 2025. City officials claim she opposed a stronger police presence in the urban core and refused essential support from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Political Tensions and Financial Disputes
The situation has become even more complex with conflicting reports regarding the Chief’s departure. Mayor Purevall claimed that Theetge had previously offered to step down before later demanding a settlement of $7.5 million. However, the mayor’s office has vehemently denied that Purevall personally directed the city manager to fire her, asserting that the decision was a personnel matter handled by the city manager.
What Happens Next?
The legal battle is far from over. Attorney Steven Imm has promised to release a recording of the disciplinary meeting from early April, which he claims will prove that the allegations against Theetge were fabricated. This case mirrors a previous legal struggle involving former Cincinnati fire chief Michael Washington, whose wrongful termination suit was upheld in federal court—a precedent that Theetge’s team hopes to repeat.
As Cincinnati awaits the outcome of this legal clash, the case raises significant questions about the intersection of police leadership, municipal politics, and the rights of public servants in the United States. For more information on employment rights and wrongful termination, you can visit the American Bar Association.
