On May 10, 2022, a jury in the U.S. District for the Eastern District of Virginia unanimously returned a verdict in favor of Chief Lugo and Major Reinhart rejecting a Malicious Prosecution lawsuit brought against them.
Regan Miller, a former officer with Manassas Park Police Department, filed the lawsuit claiming wrongful termination and malicious prosecution. The jury, through its May 10th decision, vindicated Chief Lugo and Major Reinhart of any wrongdoing and rejected Mr. Miller’s false claims of an intimidation campaign, abuse of power, corruption, and denial of due process.
The attorney defending Chief Lugo and Major Reinhart in the case was Heather K. Bardot, a partner with McGavin, Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen & Katz, P.C.
Police Chief Mario Lugo would like to thank his officers, staff, City Manager, City of Manassas Park Governing Body, City Attorney, residents, and Mrs. Bardot for all the support they have provided over the last two years. The officers involved in this case did a first-rate and professional job in court, and the jury clearly reacted favorably to their testimony and the evidence which clearly refuted the claims made by Mr. Miller.
The City is proud of all of our Police Officers and Police Leadership. Proud that we are always one of the safest communities in all Virginia and proud about the honorable conduct of all of our Officers and Leaders including Chief Lugo and Deputy Chief Reinhart.
Original source can be found here.