BY DAVID SINGLETON

Times-Shamrock Writer

A former Susquehanna Borough police officer who alleged she was fired in retaliation for testifying against the father of a council member in a criminal case was awarded $15,000 in damages by a federal jury Monday.

In a mixed but clearly one-sided verdict, the U.S. District Court jury found in favor of the borough and two of its officials on eight of the nine claims brought by Laura Watson, a former police sergeant who was dismissed on Sept. 17, 2008.

Watson maintained she was terminated in retaliation for testifying against the father of then-borough council vice president William Perry Jr. at a criminal hearing in July 2008 and for reporting that the borough violated federal privacy guidelines by disclosing confidential information about her.

Jurors found  Perry, motivated by  Watson’s exercise of her First Amendment free speech rights in testifying against his father, acted maliciously and wantonly in voting to terminate her employment. She was awarded $5,000 in compensatory damages and $10,000 in punitive damages.

However, the jury found in favor of  Perry, former council president Michael Matis and the borough on all other clai It ruled  Watson’s reinstatement to the borough police force would not be feasible.

“Obviously, we are thrilled with the defense verdict for the borough and  Matis and disappointed with the one claim out of three  Perry was found liable for,” defense attorney Patrick Murphy said.

He said he would pursue a motion the defense made at trial and ask U.S. District Judge Robert D. Mariani to dismiss the final claim against  Perry.

The jury of five women and three men received the case on Friday and deliberated about 10 hours total before delivering its verdict Monday afternoon.