San Diego County Scores Courtroom Win as Appeals Court Reduces Damages in Sheriff’s Deputy Assault Case

San Diego, California—After years of legal battles, San Diego County has secured a significant appellate court victory regarding a controversial case involving police misconduct. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a $5 million jury award to Mickail Myles, who had claimed injury and emotional distress after being forcibly assaulted by a sheriff’s deputy in 2014. The appellate judges ruled that Myles’ damages should be limited to $1.5 million, stating evidence did not support the extent of his claimed lasting injuries. The decision, issued on May 12, highlighted that Myles suffered no permanent impairment … Read more

“San Diego Jury Awards $3 Million to Whistleblower as Former Orange County DA Faces Harassment Claims”

SAN DIEGO — A jury has ruled that a former high-ranking prosecutor from Orange County was compelled to retire due to harassment by District Attorney Todd Spitzer and his assistant, Shawn Nelson, who now serves as a Superior Court judge. The decision follows a whistleblower lawsuit filed by Tracy Miller, who claimed her 25 years of service were marred by retaliation related to her efforts to protect younger colleagues from harassment. The jury awarded Miller $3 million in economic damages and $25,000 in punitive damages against Spitzer, but did not find Nelson acted with malice. … Read more

Jury Rules in Favor of Whistleblower: San Diego Court Awards $3 Million to Former Orange County Prosecutor in Harassment Case Against DA Todd Spitzer

SAN DIEGO — A jury in San Diego County has concluded that a former high-ranking prosecutor from Orange County was compelled to retire due to harassment orchestrated by the county’s District Attorney, Todd Spitzer, and his first assistant, Shawn Nelson, who currently serves as a Superior Court judge. Tracy Miller, who had spent 25 years in the Orange County District Attorney’s office, filed a whistleblower retaliation and harassment lawsuit after her retirement. The jury awarded her $3 million in economic damages and an additional $25,000 in punitive damages specifically against Spitzer, while finding that Nelson … Read more

San Diego Humane Society Faces Funding Cuts Amid Financial Growth and Controversies

San Diego, California — Contributions and grants for the San Diego Humane Society have seen a significant increase over the past five years, nearly doubling. The nonprofit organization, which provides critical animal welfare services and has been granted police powers across much of the county, reported total assets of $133 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $70 million five years prior, according to federal tax records. However, this financial growth faces challenges amid budget cuts proposed by the city. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced a 20% reduction in payments to the animal … Read more