GOLD RIVER, Calif. — Goyette, Ruano + Thompson is pleased to announce the successful resolution of the case involving Yreka Police Officer Ryan Welch, securing a reinstatement to his position, after a Superior Court judge overturned his termination and found the City of Yreka had acted without credible grounds. The Court also found he is entitled to back pay and compensation.
Mr. Welch has spent years fighting allegations that the Court ultimately determined were unsupported by the evidence. In its decision, the Court made clear that the city misjudged the situation, relied on unreliable testimony and disregarded its own progressive discipline standards. The ruling restored his credibility and emphasized that the allegations against him, including claims of damaging private property or not adequately investigating an incident at the City’s Corporation Yard, were unsubstantiated. The Court found several inconsistencies and credibility problems in the City’s internal investigation, raising concerns about how the disciplinary process was handled.
Regardless of this clear finding, the City doubled down, filing an appeal which took years to resolve. After Mr. Welch was successful in defeating the City’s appeal, the City then went on to file a petition with the Supreme Court of California, which was also rejected.
“Officer Welch devoted years to serving his community with integrity. We are proud to have restored his name and secured a resolution that acknowledges the injustice he suffered,” said Derek K. Ulmer, the Goyette, Ruano & Thompson attorney who represented Mr. Welch through his appeal and Supreme Court petition. “The City’s actions have been discriminatory and retaliatory and, although he has been reinstated, that battle is not over. We will be seeking additional damages through a separate lawsuit.”
Although his reputation and position have been restored, Mr. Welch seeks to bring to light the illegal motivations behind the City’s actions, knowing that the Court confirmed his integrity and service calling his separation of employment a “wrongful termination.” For Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, this result reinforces the firm’s commitment to defending officers and public safety professionals who face unjust disciplinary actions.
About Goyette, Ruano & Thompson
Goyette, Ruano & Thompson is a leading California law firm representing public safety employees, public sector professionals, and private-sector workers in employment, labor, disciplinary, and civil litigation matters. For over 30 years, the firm has established a strong reputation for strategic advocacy and dedicated client service.