In a notice of claim filed this week, former Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary says Mayor Lovely Warren asked him to "withhold full and truthful information from the City Council investigation" into Daniel Prude's death. Singletary claims other city officials also pressured him to support the mayor's version of events. Prude died in March, one week after being restrained by Rochester Police on Jefferson Avenue. The incident did not become public until September, setting off protests, demonstrations, and a staff shake-up within RPD. Singletary said he was informed during a press conference on Sept. 14 that the mayor had announced to the public that "today is Chief Singletary's last day." He says it was a retaliatory move.
City spokeswoman Bridgette Burch White released a statement in response to Singletary's notice of claim:
The City administration continues to fully comply with the ongoing review by City Council into the death of Daniel Prude, as it did with the OPI investigation that found no wrongdoing. As for the Notice of Claim, it confirms the fact that Mayor Warren was never shown the body worn camera footage of the incident by former chief Singletary. It also confirms that Mayor Warren first saw the video on August 4th when it was provided by Corporation Counsel, a fact that Mr. Singletary refused to acknowledge until now. The City will fully defend taxpayers against this frivolous suit.