A seasoned law enforcement officer is challenging his employer, alleging retaliation and discrimination that have stymied his career advancement. Pat Carlotto filed a complaint against the City of South Haven in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan on November 24, 2025. The lawsuit accuses the city of retaliatory practices following Carlotto’s involvement in a previous Title VII litigation against the city.
The case traces back to 2022 when a fellow police officer sued the City of South Haven for discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Carlotto, who has served as a sergeant since 2005, supported this litigation by providing evidence and testimony against his employer’s discriminatory actions. Despite his extensive experience and qualifications, Carlotto was overlooked for the permanent position of chief of police in favor of less qualified candidates who did not last long in the role. According to court documents, one candidate resigned just one month into the job and another had conflicts due to concurrent employment with another department.
Carlotto claims that his participation in supporting his colleague’s lawsuit led to adverse employment actions against him, including being passed over for promotions to both chief and deputy chief positions. He alleges that these decisions were driven by “trust issues” related to his involvement in prior litigation and opposition to discriminatory practices within the department. In particular, Carlotto notes that despite recommendations from outgoing chiefs and community members advocating for his appointment, he was repeatedly denied promotion due to perceived “baggage” linked to his advocacy efforts.
The complaint asserts violations under both federal law—Title VII—and Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. It highlights how Carlotto’s protected activities under these laws were met with retaliatory measures by the city, resulting in damages such as lost wages and emotional distress. Carlotto seeks comprehensive relief from the court including back pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, attorney fees, and other associated costs.
Representing Carlotto is attorney Mark S. Wilkinson from Paladin Employment Law PLLC based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The case has been assigned Case ID 1:25-cv-01557 at the Western District Court of Michigan.
Source: 125cv1557_Pat_Carlotto_v_City_of_South_Complaint_Western_District_of_Michigan.pdf
