Pasadena Wins Dismissal of Discrimination Lawsuit by Former Police Officer

Judge grants city's motion for summary judgment, ending case brought by Taisyn Crutchfield

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has granted the City of Pasadena's motion for summary judgment in a discrimination lawsuit brought by Taisyn Crutchfield, a Black former Pasadena police officer who alleged she was subjected to harassment, discrimination, and retaliation based on her race and gender. The ruling dismisses all five of Crutchfield's claims against the city.

Why it matters

The case drew attention when Crutchfield first filed a claim against the city in 2023, alleging she was punished after intervening to de-escalate a confrontation between a fellow officer and a civilian. The lawsuit alleged a pattern of racial bias within the Pasadena Police Department, raising broader questions about diversity and inclusion in the department.

The details

Judge Richard L. Fruin ruled that Crutchfield failed to establish triable issues of material fact on all five causes of action, including claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower retaliation, and failure to prevent discrimination. The court found the alleged comments made to Crutchfield were insufficient to constitute severe or pervasive harassment, and that none of the employment decisions she challenged constituted adverse actions under the law.

  • On February 13, 2026, Judge Fruin granted the city's motion for summary judgment.
  • Crutchfield first filed a claim against the city in November 2023.
  • The lawsuit was filed in May 2024.

The players

Taisyn Crutchfield

A Black former Pasadena police officer who alleged she was subjected to harassment, discrimination, and retaliation based on her race and gender.

City of Pasadena

The defendant in the lawsuit, which successfully argued for dismissal of all claims.

Judge Richard L. Fruin

The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge who granted the city's motion for summary judgment.

Bradley C. Gage

The civil rights attorney who represented Crutchfield in the lawsuit.

Carmen M. Aguado

The attorney from the law firm Ogletree Deakins who represented the City of Pasadena.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“the Pasadena Police Department has a history of racial discrimination, racial profiling, disparities of punishment of African American employees and retaliation against those officers who are whistleblowers.”

— Bradley C. Gage, Civil rights attorney (Press conference in December 2023)

What’s next

Whether Crutchfield's attorneys will appeal the ruling was not immediately clear.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about diversity, inclusion, and potential racial bias within the Pasadena Police Department, despite the city's successful defense of the lawsuit. The dismissal of Crutchfield's claims does not resolve the broader questions raised about the department's treatment of minority officers.