Former New Haven Firefighter Sues City for $4M After Acquittal

Keith Norfleet claims racial discrimination after being fired and not rehired despite being found not guilty of sexual assault charges.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:48am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a firefighter's badge or helmet, the harsh flash lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures that convey a sense of investigation and unresolved conflict.A former firefighter's battle for justice exposes racial inequities in New Haven's public safety departments.New Haven Today

A former New Haven firefighter who was acquitted of sexual assault charges has filed a $4 million lawsuit against the city, alleging racial discrimination and claiming the city refused to rehire him despite his acquittal.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions around police and fire department hiring and disciplinary practices, especially regarding minority employees, and the challenges individuals face in restoring their careers after being accused of misconduct, even when found not guilty.

The details

Keith Norfleet, a 36-year-old Black firefighter, was fired in 2024 after being charged with first-degree sexual assault. However, a state jury later acquitted him of the charges at the end of a three-day trial. Norfleet claims the city's decision to terminate him and refusal to rehire him despite his acquittal was racially motivated, as the department had not issued similar press releases about white firefighters facing criminal charges. The lawsuit also alleges the city's internal investigation relied on erased criminal record information in violation of state law.

  • Norfleet was hired by the New Haven Fire Department in 2014.
  • He was charged with first-degree sexual assault in August 2023 and fired about a year later.
  • Norfleet was acquitted of the sexual assault charges in October 2024 after a three-day trial.
  • Norfleet filed the $4 million lawsuit against the city on Saturday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Keith Norfleet

A 36-year-old Black former firefighter with the New Haven Fire Department who was fired after being charged with sexual assault, but later acquitted.

City of New Haven

The defendant in Norfleet's $4 million lawsuit, which alleges racial discrimination and wrongful termination.

John A. Alston, Jr.

The former Fire Chief of the New Haven Fire Department, named as a defendant in Norfleet's lawsuit.

Regina Rush-Kittle

The former Chief Administrative Officer of New Haven, named as a defendant in Norfleet's lawsuit.

Board of Fire Commissioners

The five-member board that unanimously voted to terminate Norfleet, named as defendants in his lawsuit.

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What’s next

The judge will decide whether to reinstate Norfleet to his former lieutenant position with the New Haven Fire Department.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges minority public safety employees face in restoring their careers after being accused of misconduct, even when found not guilty, and the need for greater transparency and consistency in how departments handle such cases.