A former small-town police chief who claimed he was sexually harassed by the mayor and later fired after filing a complaint has settled his lawsuit with a northern Iowa city.
Mark Anderson served the city of Britt in Hancock County from 2017 to 2023, starting as an officer before becoming police chief. In May 2023, he filed a lawsuit accusing then-Mayor Ryan Arndorfer and a City Council member of sending “highly inappropriate and sexually graphic messages” through a private group chat. These messages allegedly included demands for nude photos of Anderson’s husband.
Anderson filed the lawsuit against the city and Arndorfer. The council member involved, who reportedly stopped sending such messages years earlier, resigned shortly before the lawsuit was filed.
In June 2023, one month after filing the lawsuit, Anderson was terminated by the city. He later amended his complaint to include allegations of retaliation.
The case was scheduled for trial last month, but both parties informed the judge they had reached a settlement shortly beforehand. Court records do not disclose settlement specifics. However, on Nov. 19, the Britt City Council approved a $300,000 settlement recommended by the city’s insurer, with $25,000 to be paid by the city.
Attorneys for both the city and Anderson did not respond to requests for comment.
William Morris covers legal issues for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at [email protected] or 715-573-8166.