Former Russell Springs, KY Assistant Police Chief Melissa Taylor alleges she was discriminated against for being female when Mayor Eddie Thomas did not hire her for the Police Chief position in March 2021.
When former R.S. Police Chief Joe Michael Irvin retired in July 2020, Taylor was named interim chief. Then in March 2021, Mayor Thomas announced that Tim Pierce would be hired as the department’s new chief.
According to Taylor's lawsuit, the city’s decision to hire Pierce instead of her were “invalid and pre-textual.” Taylor is seeking damages for loss of income, severe emotional distress, embarrassment and humiliation.
Melissa Taylor worked for the Russell Springs Police Dept. for seventeen years and held many positions including Patrol Officer, Sergeant, & Assistant Chief.
