BRAWLEY — A federal judge has denied the City of Brawley’s attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former police officer, Paul Sonico, who claims he was retaliated against after raising concerns about unpaid wages.

“It's in litigation and we are defending it rigorously,” City Attorney William Smerdon briefly told the Imperial Valley Press in a phone call.

According to court documents obtained by the Imperial Valley Press, the officer was selected in June 2024 for an additional Range Master assignment that carried a 2.5% pay increase. When the increase was not reflected in his paycheck, he filed a formal complaint with city officials in July 2024. The City later acknowledged the payroll error and provided the missing pay.

The officer alleges that shortly after filing the complaint, he

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