Fired Opa-locka police chief wins settlement in years-long lawsuit over alleged corruption

After a years-long battle, fired Opa-locka Police Chief James Dobson has reached a settlement in a whistleblower lawsuit against the city, alleging his dismissal was in retaliation for reporting corruption.

On May 8, the case was dismissed after Dobson and the city agreed to the settlement, court records show. Opa-locka agreed to pay $500,000 to Dobson.

“We’re happy with the result,” said Michael Pizzi, one of Dobson’s attorneys. “At the end of the day, the amount signals an exoneration of an achieved option and recognition that he was wronged. Also, it is important for him to bring closure to this and move on with his career and life.”

In August 2020, Dobson was fired after an outside review found the Opa-locka Police Department wasn’t responding to service calls professionally, had morale issues among officers and had outdated policies.

READ MORE: Fired Opa-locka police chief files $4 million lawsuit for ‘pain and suffering’

Dobson argued that wasn’t the reason for the firing. He claimed he was ousted a day after defending one of his officers who pulled over then-Mayor Matthew Pigatt’s cousin during a traffic stop.

In his lawsuit, he said he suffered “pain and suffering” because “he refused to cave-in to a city rife with corruption.”

READ MORE: Opa-locka mayor’s cousin played part in dismissal, fired chief says. City denies it

“For him, the large amount he received is a complete victory for him,” Pizzi said. “He’s very happy. The large amount he received is a complete and total victory. We didn’t want to drag this out for several years.”