Retired LAPD Sergeant Wins $4.5M in Whistleblower Retaliation Lawsuit
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A Los Angeles County jury has awarded retired LAPD Sergeant Randy Rangel $4.5 million after finding the department unlawfully retaliated against him for reporting alleged overtime fraud within the Transit Services Division.
Case Name: Randy Rangel v. City of Los Angeles
Court: Los Angeles Superior Court
Case Number: 22STCV34806
The Background: Rangel v. City of Los Angeles
Rangel, who served the LAPD for 32 years, claimed that in 2018 and 2019, he reported a fellow sergeant for billing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for overtime work that was never performed. He alleged no investigation was launched. Instead, he says his identity as the complainant was leaked—despite whistleblower confidentiality rules—triggering months of retaliation.
Alleged Retaliation: Rangel v. City of Los Angeles
According to the lawsuit, Rangel was:
Removed from his role as captain’s adjutant, a key promotional stepping stone.
Targeted with false rumors about his personal life.
Subjected to ongoing harassment from colleagues and superiors.
Written up for potential discipline over a separate incident, which was eventually dismissed.
He claimed the retaliation continued even after he filed an anonymous Internal Affairs complaint in 2020, and that the hostile work environment contributed to his decision to retire in 2023.
The Verdict: Rangel v. City of Los Angeles
According to court documents, the jury awarded Rangel $4.5 million in damages. (It's possible the award amount could change due to potential post-trial proceedings). In some cases, the final payout is adjusted on appeal or other post-trial proceedings. Rangel v. City of Los Angeles. It is just one of several recent suits involving the LAPD Transit Services Division. Other allegations include misconduct cover-ups, retaliation for reporting violations/wrongdoing, and discrimination.
Why This Case Matters: Rangel v. City of Los Angeles
California law protects employees who report misconduct from retaliation, but in some cases (like Rangel v. City of Los Angeles), whistleblowers can still face serious consequences in the workplace. The verdict in this case sends a message about the significant legal and financial penalties associated with violating these essential labor law protections.
FAQ: Whistleblower Retaliation Case
Q: What was the basis of Randy Rangel’s lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles?
A: Rangel, a former Los Angeles Metro employee, alleged he was retaliated against after reporting an overtime fraud scheme involving other employees.
Q: Which court heard this case?
A: The case was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 22STCV34806.
Q: What was the outcome of the trial?
A: The jury awarded Rangel $4.5 million in damages for retaliation, including lost wages and emotional distress.
Q: Why is this case significant?
A: It underscores California’s strong whistleblower protections, especially for public employees who report suspected fraud or misconduct.
Q: Can the City of Los Angeles appeal the verdict?
A: Yes. As with most civil verdicts, the City has the right to appeal within a specified timeframe under California law.
If you have experienced workplace retaliation, please speak with an experienced employment attorney as soon as possible. Get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Knowledgeable employment law attorneys are ready to help in various law firm offices in Riverside, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
