Committee backs $30,000 settlement over alleged sexual contact by APD officer

Atlanta’s Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee voted 5–0 on Oct. 26 to recommend a $30,000 settlement in a lawsuit alleging nonconsensual sexual contact by an Atlanta police officer at a Summerhill Publix, according to draft committee minutes and the proposed resolution.⁠[1]

The substitute resolution says Danielle Mathis alleges Officer John Jones subjected her to the contact on Aug. 16, 2024, causing humiliation, fear, anxiety and mental and physical distress. The committee’s settlement recommendation does not establish that the alleged conduct occurred.⁠[1]

The city’s stated reason for settling is financial risk. According to the resolution, the city attorney reviewed the facts and law and concluded that Atlanta’s potential financial exposure in defending the claims exceeds $30,000. The resolution also says Mathis has agreed to accept that amount to settle all claims against the city and its employees.⁠[1]

Under resolution 26-R-4319, payment would come from the general fund’s litigation-expense account in exchange for dismissal of those claims. That proposed dismissal covers the city and its employees, not every defendant in the lawsuit, which also names Publix.⁠[1]

This is a committee recommendation, not final City Council authorization or a completed payout. The legislation’s tracking sheet lists Council consideration as pending for Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.⁠[1]