Fired South Miami chief wins $434,732 judgment against city

Former South Miami Police Chief Orlando Martinez de Castro, who sued the city after his firing in 2013, on Monday won $434,731.85 following a three-day trial.

Martinez de Castro was fired three years ago after the city said he violated his contract by serving as acting city manager while also serving as chief.

He sued South Miami in 2013 and in March 2015, a Miami-Dade circuit court judge ruled Martinez de Castro never served as acting city manager because he was never properly appointed to the position. His motions for partial summary judgment and breach of contract were previously granted.

On Monday, Circuit Judge Jose M. Rodriguez returned a verdict of $434,731.85. The final verdict is expected to be signed this week. The judge also granted entitlement to attorney’s fees, a number that will exceed $200,000.

The hearing for final judgment is expected to be in June, where the city will have the option to appeal.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 9:39 AM with the headline "Fired South Miami chief wins $434,732 judgment against city."