“The Burbank Police Department has been proven to have ethnic harassment within its department,” said Karagiosian's attorney, Solomon Gresen, after the jury's verdict was announced. “Det. Karagiosian had complained for years, and the jury's verdict should demonstrate to the city that this is a problem that needs to be immediately addressed.”
Named “Officer of the Year” in 2007, Karagiosian is still employed with the department.
Even with the jury coming down on his side, Gresen said his client feared the verdict would create a whole new set of problems back at the department.
“Mr. Karagiosian is gratified that the jury found in his favor, but fears retaliation from the city attorney's office and the Burbank Police Department,” Gresen said.
While the jury must still make determinations on more specific questions, Burbank City Atty. Amy Albano said the city was disappointed with the verdict.
“What was interesting in the verdict is that the amount awarded was reduced,” Albano said, noting that the amount was lower than the suggested $225,000 because the jury felt Karagiosian could have avoided some of the damages because some of the incidents were not reported to the city.
“The city takes issues of harassment very seriously,” Albano said. “When we are informed, we take appropriate action. That was done in this case. If not informed about an issue of harassment, the city is not able to take an action.”
Jurors deliberated Karagiosian's case for about a day before delivering its verdict.
