Des Moines Hides Details of $975,000 Settlement with Police Chief Candidate

City leaders refuse to disclose why they paid a large settlement to a police chief finalist who was passed over for the job.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:22pm

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The city of Des Moines has reached a $975,000 settlement with Maj. Lillie Parker, a finalist for the police chief position who was passed over for the job. City officials have refused to disclose the details behind the settlement, including what allegations Parker made that led to the payout. The settlement agreement bars Parker and the city from commenting on the underlying claims. This has led to questions about the selection process for the new police chief and concerns over the lack of transparency around how taxpayer funds are being spent.

Why it matters

The secrecy around this settlement raises concerns about the integrity of the police chief selection process and the city's commitment to transparency. Taxpayers deserve to know why such a large settlement was paid out, especially when it involves a high-profile position like police chief. The lack of disclosure fuels suspicions of potential misconduct or favoritism in the hiring decision.

The details

In 2024, Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert announced his retirement. Maj. Lillie Parker, the highest-ranking African-American woman in the department, applied for the job. She was ranked first among the eight finalists by the Des Moines Civil Service Commission. However, City Manager Scott Sanders chose Maj. Michael McTaggart, who was ranked seventh, as the new police chief. In January 2026, the city announced a $975,000 settlement with Parker, who agreed to resign and remain silent about the underlying claims. The city has refused to disclose the details of Parker's allegations or what led to the large payout.

  • In 2024, Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert announced his retirement.
  • In 2024, Maj. Lillie Parker applied for the police chief position and was ranked first among the eight finalists by the Des Moines Civil Service Commission.
  • In 2024, City Manager Scott Sanders chose Maj. Michael McTaggart, who was ranked seventh, as the new police chief.
  • In January 2026, the city announced a $975,000 settlement with Maj. Lillie Parker, who agreed to resign and remain silent about the underlying claims.

The players

Maj. Lillie Parker

The highest-ranking African-American woman in the Des Moines Police Department, who applied for the police chief position and was ranked first among the eight finalists by the Des Moines Civil Service Commission.

Maj. Michael McTaggart

The new police chief of Des Moines, who was chosen by City Manager Scott Sanders despite being ranked seventh among the eight finalists by the Des Moines Civil Service Commission.

Scott Sanders

The Des Moines City Manager, who had the final say in selecting the new police chief and chose Maj. Michael McTaggart over Maj. Lillie Parker.

Connie Boesen

The Mayor of Des Moines, who praised the selection of Maj. Michael McTaggart as the new police chief.

Jeff Lester

The Des Moines City Attorney, who has refused to disclose the details behind the $975,000 settlement with Maj. Lillie Parker.

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What they’re saying

“The city's lack of any meaningful explanation of the basis and rationale for the payment of $975,000 to Major Parker and her attorney [is] appalling and a misguided effort to hide facts and allegations of misconduct or favoritism that relate, in part, to the selection of the city's current chief of police.”

— Randy Evans, President of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

What’s next

The Iowa Freedom of Information Council has called on the city to release the demand letter from Maj. Lillie Parker's lawyer that led to the $975,000 settlement. The council argues that taxpayers deserve to know the details behind the payout and whether it was connected to the selection of the new police chief.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of government transparency, especially when it comes to the use of taxpayer funds. The secrecy surrounding the settlement with Maj. Lillie Parker undermines public trust and raises questions about the integrity of the police chief selection process in Des Moines.