Former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine has filed a lawsuit against city officials, including the mayor and a former federal prosecutor, alleging that a report on police misconduct was designed to ruin his reputation. The lawsuit accuses the city of slander, libel, and defamation following Prine’s termination earlier this year.
Report on Police Abuses Sparks Controversy
In April, Mobile city officials published a report accusing the police department of unlawful excessive force and discriminatory practices, particularly against the Black community. The report linked Prine’s leadership style to what it described as a culture of fear and misconduct among officers.
The investigation, led by former federal prosecutor Kenyen Brown, was commissioned by Mayor Sandy Stimpson after a series of high-profile police killings and alleged excessive force incidents in 2023. Brown’s report detailed constitutional violations by officers, including beating handcuffed suspects, detaining individuals without probable cause, and attempting to unlock cell phones without warrants.
Prine Denies Allegations, Calls Investigation a “Witch Hunt”
Prine, who served nearly three decades in law enforcement, called the report a retaliatory move stemming from grievances he filed against city officials in 2023. His lawsuit claims that Brown, the mayor, and other city officials conspired to defame him.
“This investigation was about veiled threats and a power struggle with those in charge,” Prine said in a statement to Fox10.
The lawsuit alleges that Brown misrepresented an interview with Prine to make it seem like the former chief was unclear on department disciplinary policies. It also claims the investigation went beyond its initial scope, targeting Prine’s leadership and intentionally damaging his reputation.
High-Profile Lawsuits Against the Police Department
The city and police department are also facing multiple federal civil rights lawsuits. On Monday, the mother of 16-year-old Randall Adjessom filed a wrongful death lawsuit over his killing during a SWAT raid. Similarly, the family of Jawan Dallas, who died after being tackled and tased by police in 2023, filed a $36 million lawsuit in December.
Grand juries declined to indict officers involved in these incidents, but the city’s report found a pervasive fear among residents of encountering Mobile police.
Fired After Rejecting Retirement Offer
Prine was placed on administrative leave ahead of the report’s release and was fired on April 30. According to the lawsuit, city officials offered Prine a retirement package with benefits if he publicly announced his departure with remarks approved by the mayor. Prine declined the offer.
City Responds to Allegations
City officials, including spokespeople for the mayor and city council, have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Brown defended his investigation in an email, stating, “We appreciate the opportunity to have conducted a thorough investigative report commissioned by the City of Mobile.”
