Napa, CA, July 28, 2025 — Last week, a jury found that the City of Napa, through the Napa Police Department (NPD), engaged in unlawful discrimination when it denied Detective Darlene Elia a promotion to Special Operations Lead Officer in 2022. The jury concluded that Det. Elia’s age, gender, or disability was a substantial motivating reason for NPD’s refusal to promote her.
Despite this clear finding of discrimination, the jury ultimately determined that NPD would have made the same decision for other reasons, and therefore declined to award damages.
“While we are heartened by the jury’s recognition of the discrimination Det. Elia endured, we are disappointed by a system that allows such discrimination to go uncompensated and uncorrected,” said Tamarah Prevost, Partner at Altair Law. A finding of unlawful conduct should carry meaningful consequences—not just for the sake of justice for the individual, but to uphold accountability within public institutions.
This verdict is a powerful vindication of Det. Elia’s experience. For years, she stood up against a Department that marginalized her based on protected characteristics. Her strength and persistence in seeking justice exemplify the courage it takes to challenge institutional discrimination.
We are proud to have stood with her in this fight. Det. Elia and her legal team are currently evaluating options for appeal.
