Former Newtown Officer Accuses Police Chief, Town Of Discrimination In Lawsuit

NEWTOWN, CT — A former Newtown police officer has filed a lawsuit accusing the town and Police Chief David Kullgren of discrimination, retaliation and unequal treatment based on her sex and age.

Felicia Figol, who served with the department for about 21 years before resigning in 2025, filed the lawsuit in Danbury Superior Court on May 6.

According to the complaint, Figol said she faced “a pattern of disparate treatment, retaliation, professional marginalization, and denial of opportunities” after Kullgren became chief in 2022.

The lawsuit states Figol was subjected to heightened scrutiny, denied promotional opportunities and treated differently than male officers in similar situations.

Among the claims outlined in the complaint, Figol said she was investigated and disciplined after helping plan a proposed “Movie with a Cop” community event in 2024. The lawsuit states she later filed a union grievance and the counseling record was removed from her file.

The complaint also states the department interfered with her work as a K-9 handler alongside her German shepherd, Aris. According to the lawsuit, Figol said the department bypassed her for callouts and sought to retire the dog after surgery despite a veterinarian determining Aris could return to work.

According to the lawsuit, Figol also said she was denied overtime opportunities, faced barriers to advancement and was prevented from reviewing promotional exam answers after testing.

The complaint states an outside law firm conducted a third-party investigation into possible bias against female officers in the department. According to the lawsuit, investigators identified incidents consistent with some of Figol’s complaints but said there was insufficient evidence to sustain formal findings on every issue presented.

Figol resigned from the department on May 28, 2025, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit seeks back pay, lost wages, compensatory damages, attorney’s fees and other relief.

Court records show attorneys for the town and Kullgren filed appearances Tuesday, along with a motion for an extension of time to plead.

Kullgren said it is the town’s practice not to comment on pending litigation.