LAPD Sergeant Loses Retaliation Lawsuit Against City

Case Background

This employment dispute unfolded in the Los Angeles County Superior Court before Judge Maurice A. Leiter. Mario Cardona, a longtime Los Angeles Police Department officer, filed suit against the City of Los Angeles in May 2022. The case centered on allegations that the City retaliated and discriminated against him after he raised concerns about a parking ticket being unlawfully rescinded. The complaint claimed violations of California Labor Code §1102.5 and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), including retaliation and workplace discrimination.

Cardona asserted that he made a protected disclosure about what he believed to be a violation of state law and that his department punished him in response. The City denied all wrongdoing and maintained that any personnel actions involving Cardona were legitimate and unrelated to his complaint.

The case went to a jury trial in May 2025 after extensive pretrial proceedings and discovery.

Cause

Cardona’s case stemmed from his claim that he had reported an internal practice involving the rescission of a parking ticket, which he believed violated state law. He said that after he disclosed this issue to a superior authorized to correct or investigate potential violations, he suffered retaliation through transfers and internal reviews.

The City argued that his report was misplaced and that none of the subsequent employment actions were retaliatory. The defense insisted those moves were made for valid operational and performance-based reasons.

Injury

Cardona alleged that the retaliatory actions damaged his career, reputation, and mental well-being. He claimed his transfer to the Patrol Division was punitive, causing emotional distress, humiliation, and financial strain. He also alleged that his referral to the department’s Risk Management Executive Committee (RMEC) further stigmatized him and affected his standing within the departmen