YORK, Pa. — York City settled for the resignation of a York police offer accused of reenacting the death of George Floyd in 2020.
In July 2020, Clayton Swartz was placed on unpaid suspension with a recommendation of termination.
The city convinced the Court of Common Pleas that the matter had to be retired in court, according to the mayor's office. A trial was scheduled and would have allegedly cost the city over $250,000.
However, in a statement released by Mayor Michael R. Helfrich's office, an agreement to avoid a trial was reached.
According to reports, Swartz will not return as a York City Police Officer. The York Police Department has agreed to pay him $82,000 for his resignation.
In a statement, the mayor's office announced that the settlement saves hundreds of thousands in taxpayer money and achieves the city's goal of ensuring Swartz will no longer be employed by York.
“I stood my ground on this issue because of the importance of these allegations to our community and the findings of our internal investigation that Mr. Swartz should no longer be representing the York City Police Department," Mayor Helfrich said.
"Facing continually increasing litigation costs, which have already amounted to over $230,000 in attorneys’ fees, and the potential for another $250,000 in upcoming litigation expenses, the resignation of Mr. Swartz in exchange for his lost backpay was a great win for York City," he continued in a statement.
