Caldwell paid $2M+ to settle harassment claims against its police chief, who kept his job
In May 2026 the City of Caldwell, Police Chief Rex Ingram and former Mayor Jarom Wagoner settled officer Allison Butler's federal sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation suit for $1.5 million, about eight times Ingram's salary. It was the third settlement involving Ingram: his former executive assistant received $150,000 and the former HR director, who said she was not reappointed after investigating Butler's complaints, received $400,000. An outside investigation by attorney Doug Plass sustained several of Butler's allegations; Butler says the city buried it, and the city refused to make it public. Ingram denies wrongdoing and says the insurer chose to settle. He remains chief, the city's second-highest-paid employee at $185,432. Two more federal suits by former officers who say they were fired after criticizing him are pending.
Ingram is the second-highest-paid employee in the city of Caldwell, with an annual income of $185,432.
This marks the third settlement involving Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram.
The parties are glad they could reach a resolution.
"And I strongly deny any wrongdoing." Says the insurance carrier decided to settle.
The parties are glad they could reach a resolution.
No outcome recorded yet.