KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) – After an hour of deliberation, a Kansas City jury awarded the former communications director and whistleblower a large settlement after being forced out of his position.
On Wednesday, March 5, after a days-long trial, a jury of two men and two women unanimously sided with former Kansas City, Missouri, City Communications Director Chris Hernandez, awarding him $700,000.
The lawsuit centered on whether City Manager Brian Platt directed staff to lie to the media and the public in 2022. Hernandez claimed he was demoted because he pushed back.
However, the City’s attorneys argued that Hernandez’s performance fell short of expectations.
Hernandez’s attorney, on the other hand, claimed that this was a case of integrity, and that Hernandez simply performed his duties for the city’s residents but was fired as a result.
On verdict A, the jury ruled in favor of Hernandez’ whistleblower claim for his removal as director of Communications. He received $228,828.99 in compensation for wages and pension losses, as claimed.
He was awarded $700,000 in damages from the removal under verdict B, but he will only receive the higher amount.
Following the verdict, Hernandez stated, “This is a victory for the truth and transparency that Kansas City residents deserve.” During my whistleblower lawsuit, we presented solid evidence that I objected to the City Manager’s attempts to inflate numbers, as well as his suggestion that we make lying to the media part of our media relations strategy.”
