South Pasadena : Fired Chief’s Claim Rejected

The South Pasadena City Council has rejected a $20-million damage claim by fired Police Chief Samuel L. Buntyn, who contended that the leak to the press last August of a letter of termination damaged his name and reputation and invaded his privacy.

The rejection was unanimous and came without discussion as part of routine council business.

The letter of termination, which was sent by City Manager John Bernardi to Buntyn, cited 10 charges, including allegations that the former chief sexually harassed a female subordinate and attempted to interfere with a promotion review board. Buntyn, 41, had been on medical leave since last June, when the council voted unanimously to ask for his resignation after eight years on the job. He was fired Dec. 13, about a month after he filed his damage claim against the city. Buntyn said he plans to file a lawsuit based on his claim.