Wright is no longer employed by UPD

By Terry Murry on Thursday, April 6th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA – One of the named defendants in a civil suit that also names the city of Umatilla and others is no longer employed by the police department. City Manager David Stockdale said that Sgt. Bill Wright’s last day with the city was March 24. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Pendleton on March 8.

The court action is seeking damages for the police department’s failure to investigate the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Umatilla in 2018. After attempts to persuade Sgt. Wright to investigate, the girl’s family went to the FBI in 2020. They investigated, located the suspect, and charged him in federal court.

Michael Wayne Lyon of Florida was convicted of the crimes against the young girl in August 2022. He has been sentenced to serve 25 years in a federal prison with 10 years after on supervised release. He must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The other named defendants in the trial are Umatilla Police Chief Darla Huxel, UPD Lt. Keith Kennedy, the city of Umatilla, and 10 individuals whose identities are currently unknown to the plaintiff.