Former Foley chief sues city, ex-mayor

Former Foley police chief James T. “Tim” Bryan has filed a defamation lawsuit against the city and former mayor Tim Russell now the state’s insurance commissioner claiming that officials slandered Bryan and lied about an investigation into his suspension.

The five-page suit filed in Baldwin County Civil Court states that Russell “made slanderous comments to numerous parties that then-chief Tim Bryan unlawfully obtained in formation on employees in violation of the Code of Alabama and procedures related thereto.”

Bryan alleged that Russell acted with “reckless disregard for the truth” as controversy developed during Bryan’s short term as chief.

Exactly what Russell said, however, is not clearly spelled out.

Former Foley chief sues city, ex-mayor