A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Fall River Police Captain Gil Costa against the City of Fall River and Police Chief Paul Gauvin, bringing an end to the legal challenge over allegations of retaliation and denied promotions.
In a decision issued Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Denise Casper granted summary judgment in favor of the City and Chief Gauvin on all claims. The ruling also found that Gauvin is protected by qualified immunity, shielding him from personal liability in the case.
Costa, a former head of the department’s Internal Affairs Division, sued under Massachusetts’ whistleblower law, alleging he was repeatedly passed over for promotion after conducting internal affairs investigations and reporting alleged misconduct within the department.
Before filing the lawsuit, Costa, through his attorney Joseph Daigle, demanded the City pay $150,000 to settle the matter.
In a July 9 demand letter, Daigle argued that the City had retaliated against his client by stalling his career and creating unfavorable working conditions.
“They have stalled Captain Costa’s career, damaged him financially, delayed his retirement, and forced him to work in unfavorable conditions,” Daigle wrote. “He has been treated unfairly for merely doing his job and for reporting illegal activities.”
Costa claimed he had been denied promotions multiple times beginning in 2022 because of his role in internal investigations.
Judge Casper’s ruling dismisses all of Costa’s claims against both the City of Fall River and Chief Gauvin, ending the case at the federal district court level. It is not immediately known whether Costa intends to appeal the decision.
