A former lesbian police officer and current MMA fighter has been awarded $10 million in damages after a California jury ruled that she endured years of harassment and discrimination within her department—allegedly due to her gender and sexual orientation.
Ashley Cummins, who joined the National City Police Department in 2018 after eight years with the St. Louis County Police, brought a lawsuit claiming she was targeted by colleagues almost immediately upon arrival. The jury agreed, finding the department liable for harassment and discrimination and ruling that senior leadership failed to intervene.
The verdict, first reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune, included $166,000 in lost wages, $1.4 million in future earnings, and more than $8 million in non-economic damages.
Cummins’ attorneys said in a statement, “We always believed our client was wronged and had viable legal claims for sexual harassment and discrimination. We are grateful the jury found for our client on all counts and awarded a just verdict.”
According to the lawsuit, Cummins’ complaints to superiors were routinely ignored, and she described a hostile culture where female officers were dismissed and mocked for raising concerns. One sergeant reportedly warned her not to be “another female cop who plays the card” and said things would “get worse” for her if she pursued formal complaints.
Other allegations included being shouted at over the radio, ordered off crime scenes without cause, passed over for a K-9 promotion in favor of a less-experienced male officer, and intentionally isolated after returning from leave following a shooting she wasn’t involved in.
Cummins, who identifies as a lesbian and now an MMA athlete competing under the name Ashley “Smashley” Cummins in Chula Vista, has reportedly struggled to find another law enforcement position since filing the lawsuit.
City Attorney Barry Schultz expressed disappointment in the jury’s decision and said the city is considering an appeal. “The city remains committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees,” Schultz said, adding that legal options are still being reviewed.
While Cummins’ attorneys say she feels vindicated, the years-long ordeal has left a lasting toll. “It has cost her a lot. She has been in so much pain and struggle for the last five years,” said her lawyer, Jeffrey Hogue.
