CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Former police chief Teresa Theetge and her attorney responded to her firing publicly Friday after a monthslong investigation into her effectiveness in the job.
Steven Imm, Theetge’s attorney, announced that Theetge would appeal the city’s decision, request an impartial hearing and file a lawsuit against the mayor and city manager for violations of rights, alleging gender discrimination and lack of due process.
“The worst part is they knew what they were doing was wrong. But when it came to Theetge, the mayor and city manager have never been interested in doing what is right. They are only interested in doing what they think is best for their own image and political stature,” Imm said during the press conference.
Imm alleged that Mayor Aftab Purevall’s political ambitions were a major factor in Theetge’s firing, stating Purevall threatened to fire Long if she didn’t fire the now-former police chief.
“This will be found to be an illegal termination. She will be back,” Imm said.
The attorney also announced that a recording of the disciplinary meeting between city manager Sharyl Long and Theetge in early April. will be released, proving the allegations against Theetge were false.
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After being suspended in October following a string of high-profile crimes in the city, City Manager Sheryl Long announced Thursday that Theetge would be dismissed immediately.
City officials cited “insubordination, inefficiency, unsatisfactory performance, and dishonesty” in her dismissal letter.
Imm said that Theetge’s mirrors the firing of ex-Cincinnati fire chief Michael Washington, who filed a wrongful termination lawsuit which was upheld in federal court.
He said Thursday that he will continue to fight for the former chief, calling the city’s excuses “phony.”
Today is a sad day for the City of Cincinnati. Its leaders have taken the shameful step of dismissing one of its most accomplished and beloved public servants for no legitimate reason. They know their phony excuses for this disgraceful action are entirely false, but still chose to put this black mark on our great city. We will get justice for Terri Theetge, and those responsible for this disgusting act will be held accountable.
Much of the city’s criticism centers on Theetge’s handling of the 2025 Summer Safety Plan and the police response after two shootings near Fountain Square in October 2025.
The city alleges that Theetge did not meet staff requirements, opposed a stronger police presence in the urban core and refused support from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Mayor recalls large settlement for resignation
Mayor Aftab Pureval speaks after the city announced the dismissal of Police Chief Teresa Theetge.(WXIX)
Mayor Pureval claimed Thursdsay that Theetge said several times she would step down if things got bad before changing her mind and demanding $7.5 million.
“The Mayor was referencing a demand that was made in October before she was placed on leave. The City has not disclosed any information related to the mediation and did not violate the confidentiality agreement,” Mollie Lair, Cincinnati director of communications, said.
Regarding Imm’s claims that the mayor ordered Long to fire the former police chief, the mayor’s office refuted, stating Purevall had no involvement in Long’s decision to fire Theetge.
“The Mayor has consistently been clear on the fact that it is not true, and that he did not direct the City Manager’s decisions in this personnel issue,” Jack Willingham, communications director with the Office of the Mayor, said.
City Manager Sheryl Long refused to speculate on the potential of a lawsuit and the burden that it would have on taxpayers when asked Thursday.
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