Former Melrose chief intends to file lawsuits

The former police chief of the village of Melrose intends to sue the village and its mayor.

According to a Jan. 19 letter from the Harmon Law Office in Clovis to Melrose Mayor Lance Pyle, Michael J. Trammell has asserted a tort claim in reference to the village terminating his employment.

Trammell was suspended from duty Oct. 11 following his arrest on seven charges of animal cruelty for allegedly shooting dogs.

Trammell was issued a letter of intent to terminate employment Oct. 24, according to the law firm letter. Trammell resigned Oct. 27.

Trammell’s attorney, Tye Harmon, contends Trammell was forced to resign following six years of employment based on a termination that was without merit and violated his right to due process.

Trammell served four years as a patrolman before being promoted to chief in January 2005.

Melrose Mayor Lance Pyle said in a previously published story Trammell was not asked to resign.

Harmon said in the letter he has been instructed to give Pyle and the village until Friday to respond, and thereafter file a lawsuit in the 9th Judicial District Court.

Pyle referred calls to attorney Hal Greig, who could not be reached for comment.