MANCHESTER, Mo. – The former captain of the Manchester Police Department has filed a lawsuit against the City of Manchester, claiming he was forced to resign last year without due process and that city officials harmed his professional reputation.

Craig Smith, who served with the department for 27 years – including as a captain and deputy police chief, claims that city officials coerced him into resigning under the threat of criminal charges and denied him a chance to defend himself during an ongoing investigation.

In July 2024, the City of Manchester issued a news release stating that Smith had resigned and that police chief Scott Will had been placed on paid administrative leave amid an “ongoing, independent investigation.” Will has also since resigned as police chief.

In a lawsuit formally filed Monday in St. Louis County Circuit Court, nearly one year to date after he resigned, Smith contends that his resignation was not voluntary.

Smith alleges that city officials, including the mayor, city manager and other staff, conspired to investigate Smith for “non-criminal actions.”

The lawsuit further claims:

• Smith resigned one day after staff informed him that “remedial action” would be taken if he didn’t resign.
• Smith was never informed of specific allegations against him after being informed of “remedial action.”
• Smith was threatened with suspension and termination after requesting his due process rights, accusing city officials of “retaliatory conduct.”
• City officials interfered with Smith’s job prospects by informing prospective employers that Smith had resigned “under investigation” and was “not in good standing.”

According to the lawsuit, in March 2024, Smith was notified of a third-party investigation into accusations he described as “non-criminal” and “primarily minor leadership issues,” citing concerns such as professionalism towards subordinates and micromanaging subordinates.

Smith said he was never contacted for an interview during that time and accused city officials of prolonging the process leading up to his resignation.

The lawsuit claims, in July 2024, just days before Smith resigned, he was told that investigators “had enough evidence to file criminal charges” if he insisted on continuing the investigation by requesting his due process rights.

Smith argues that the city’s actions have caused him significant damages, including lost wages, diminished employment opportunities, emotional distress and loss of reputation. Smith requests the court to rule in his favor and award him any compensation or relief the court finds appropriate.

A City of Manchester spokesperson tells FOX 2 it is preparing to defend itself for the lawsuit, but could not comment further on the matter.