Judge Upholds $4 million ‘Lobstergate’ Award for Officers

A judge has upheld the $4.1 million jury award for three Long Beach police officers denied promotions after reporting members of a port security team were hunting lobsters instead of terrorists.

A jury decided Feb. 14 that Sgt. David Gage should get $1.16 million, Officer Craig Patterson should get $1.56 million and Officer Warren Harris should get $1.36 million in what has become known as “Lobstergate.”

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Conrad Aragon affirmed the jury decision.

The Long Beach officers claimed they were harassed and retaliated against after reporting that some of their colleagues were using a police patrol boat to dive for lobsters in the Port of Long Beach in 2003.

City Attorney Robert Shannon says the city may appeal.

Source: Press-Telegram.