Ex-James City County cop Michael Rusk accused the county and its police department of failing to stop years of alleged sexual harassment by Sgt. Christopher Gibson before the shooting occurred. The discrimination lawsuit, filed in June in US District Court, comes after Rust shot and wounded Gibson outside a local bar in January 2023, according to reports. He’s facing malicious wounding and gun charges stemming from the incident.
Rusk insists he’s the real victim in legal papers and is seeking $5.5 million in damages. However, Gibson’s lawyer Nicholas Simopoulos called the allegation “false and malicious.” He stated, “Mr. Gibson is confident the judicial system will run its necessary and vital course, find Mr. Rusk responsible for his actions, and ultimately reveal these latest allegations to be a sad and unsuccessful effort to deflect from the same.
A police spokesperson declined comment on the lawsuit, according to the Virginian Pilot, but stated, “We take the allegations very seriously. We are very committed to keeping a safe and hospitable workplace for all of our employees.” The shooting happened after Gibson “forcefully prevented” Rusk from getting away from him and began sexually assaulting him, the lawsuit claims. Rusk called 911 after he shot Gibson, claiming over the phone it was self-defense.
Rusk was fired from the job earlier this year after he was initially placed on leave. His criminal trial is set for later this year. Gibson, 40, retired from the department in May and it was his decision, the Virginian Pilot reported.
