Little Rock, Arkansas – The City of Little Rock has reached a settlement in a long-running legal dispute involving former police officer David Mattox, bringing an almost five-year conflict to a close. On Tuesday afternoon, the Little Rock board of directors voted to approve the settlement, which includes a $450,000 payout related to the lawsuit filed by Mattox in 2021.
Mattox’s lawsuit alleged mistreatment within the Little Rock Police Department and named both the city and former Police Chief Keith Humphrey as defendants. The lawsuit stemmed from Mattox’s termination, which he claimed was unjust and based on findings of untruthfulness and unauthorized involvement in a department investigation. The case that sparked the dispute involved a man accused of exposing himself to women in the city, including Mattox’s wife.
According to the department, Mattox participated in the investigation, assisting with searches and the arrest of the suspect, despite a department policy that prohibits officers from taking part in cases involving family members. Mattox was subsequently terminated, though he appealed the decision. The appeal resulted in a 30-day suspension, but Mattox chose to leave the department voluntarily in 2020.
The legal battle expanded in 2021 when four officers, including Mattox, filed a lawsuit that had been scheduled for a jury trial this year. Instead of proceeding with the trial, the city, in conjunction with the Arkansas Municipal League, agreed to share the cost of a settlement, effectively ending the dispute without a court verdict.
While the board of directors has approved the $450,000 payout, details regarding how the settlement will be divided among the four officers are not clear at this time. The city has declined to comment further on legal matters, and the attorney representing the officers has yet to provide additional information about the specifics of the agreement.
The case has drawn attention due to its complexity and the sensitive nature of the investigation at the center of the dispute. It also highlighted questions about department policies regarding conflicts of interest and officer involvement in cases where family members are victims.
“This settlement allows all parties to move forward without prolonged litigation,” said a spokesperson for the city, acknowledging the conclusion of the nearly five-year legal battle. While the payout closes this chapter, it leaves unanswered questions about internal practices and accountability within the Little Rock Police Department.
Mattox’s lawsuit and the subsequent settlement underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies when officers are personally connected to cases, and the difficulties of navigating internal investigations while maintaining professional standards. The city’s decision to settle reflects a broader trend of municipalities opting to resolve disputes outside of court to reduce legal costs and public scrutiny.
As the settlement is finalized, city officials and the involved officers are expected to comply with the terms, though further details on the division of funds and any additional conditions remain under wraps. The resolution brings closure to a high-profile case that has impacted the Little Rock Police Department for years and marks a significant step in concluding a dispute that began with allegations of procedural missteps and personal involvement in an active investigation.
The settlement, while financially substantial, also serves as a reminder of the importance of clear policies and oversight in law enforcement, especially in sensitive cases involving department personnel and their families.
