The city of Fortuna is in the process of finalizing a new contract with its police union that appears to be leaving no one happy. At the Fortuna City Council’s Aug. 5 meeting, City Manager Merrit Perry explained that the city simply wasn’t able to meet the Fortuna Police Employees Association’s salary requests amid rising […]
Charles Ellebrecht
Fortuna Settles Wrongful Death Suit for $900K
The city of Fortuna has agreed to pay $900,000 to settle a federal wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of a man shot dead by police in 2012 after an appellate ruling brought the credibility of the officers involved into serious question. Jacob Newmaker, 26, was shot and killed by then Fortuna Police officer […]
Updated: Friendly Fire: Police Association in Dispute with City
Fortuna police officers seem to be experiencing some growing unfriendly feelings toward their city. Charles Ellebrecht, a sergeant with the department and president of the Fortuna Police Employees Association, took the podium during the public comment period of Monday’s council meeting and aired a grievance that it appears has long been simmering behind closed doors. […]
