Former Police Officer Settles Suit Over Wife's Playboy Pictures
A former Ohio police officer who accused his co-workers of harassment after his wife appeared in Playboy has settled his lawsuit against the city for which he as employed.
As part of the settlement, former officer, Ron Fithen agreed to resign from the police department. He also agreed to not pursue any further employment with any branch of the city.
The agreement said the city would pay him $35,000.
Fithen accused police officials of denying him paid leave for National Guard training, removing him from the detective bureau, investigating his family shortly after the Playboy photo shoot and creating an unbearable work environment.
The "Hot Housewives" edition of Playboy, with several pictures of Beth Fithen, Ron Firthen’s wife, appeared two years ago. Ms. Fithen’s husband's lawsuit said Mrs. Fithen's following her dream made his work life hard.
It said Mr. Fithen was asked for copies of Playboy autographed by his wife, causing the family "extreme emotional distress."
City spokesman Brian Hoyt said the matter is done with and he couldn't comment because of the confidentiality agreement in the settlement. Mr. Fithen's Fraternal Order of Police attorney said the settlement speaks for itself and that he had no comment.
