A woman is threatening to sue Phoenix after she claims the police department failed to investigate a “violent rape” committed by her ex-boyfriend who’s a former sergeant for the city.
The legal claim, filed against the city on March 9, demands $200,000 or the victim will file a lawsuit.
“Due to the failure to collect evidence and investigate the matter, no charges were brought against Leroy Potter for his assault on Claimant,” according to the claim.
Through her attorney, the woman who filed the legal claim declined to be interviewed. ABC15 is withholding the woman’s name because she is the victim of an alleged sex crime.
Her ex-boyfriend Leroy Potter retired amid the allegations last year.
Phoenix police also severely disciplined Potter’s supervisor, Lt. Brian Thatcher. The department suspended Thatcher for 120 days for failing to properly report and investigate a “domestic violence incident.”
Thatcher was also listed on the legal claim.
In the claim, the woman said it was a “violent rape” and said she was handcuffed for hours.
The City of Phoenix and the Police Department declined to comment, citing the potential of a lawsuit.
Contact ABC15 Investigator Dave Biscobing at dbiscobing@abc15.com.
