Former police chief sues Moroni City and mayor over ‘wrongful termination’
Sep 7, 2022, 4:04 PM | Updated: Jun 25, 2024, 10:20 am
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MORONI, Utah — The former police chief of Moroni is suing the city and the mayor for wrongful termination, claiming he was fired over a traffic citation he issued for the mayor’s son.
According to court documents, Robert Hill was the Chief of Police of Moroni City from August 2020 through February 18, 2022 and was the only employee in the department.
The lawsuit states, “He was retaliated against and terminated from his position for issuing a traffic citation to the mayor’s son and taking other steps to enforce the law.”
The lawsuit outlines the following timeline of events:
On Feb. 13, Hill noticed a car being driven erratically and initiated a traffic stop. After making the traffic stop, Hill discovered the driver was the son of Mayor Paul Bailey, Cameron Bailey.
The lawsuit states, “Cameron Bailey challenged Mr. Hill’s ability to stop and ticket him and stated, ‘see what happens when you need backup.’ Mr. Hill was undeterred and issued Mr. Cameron Bailey two warnings and two citations. The citations were for failing to signal and failure to wear a seatbelt.”
Later that same evening, the lawsuit explains that Hill stopped another vehicle with a smashed windshield and discovered the driver had outstanding warrants for misdemeanors and did not have either a driver’s license or evidence of insurance.
As a result, Hill issued several citations and arrested the driver who was ultimately booked and then released.
The following day on Feb. 14, Paul Bailey asked to meet with Hill and put Hill on administrative leave.
On Feb. 18, Paul Bailey terminated Hill from his position as police chief “‘for cause’ but refused to explain what the cause was for the termination,” according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit states, “Moroni City posted the open position for Chief of Police in March of 2022. That
position remains vacant, despite substantial increases in offers of compensation.”
KSL has reached out to Paul Bailey for comment but did not receive a response by publication.
Hill is suing for retaliation violating the Utah Protection of Public Employees Act and wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
