FORMER CITY MANAGER J.J. MURPHY VINDICATED BY L.A SUPERIOR COURT

PALMDALE, CA (July, 13, 2022) This week, the Los Angeles Superior Court granted former Palmdale City Manager J.J. Murphy’s motion to strike the case filed by former Assistant City Manager Maithi Marie Ricci against Mr. Murphy. The Court ruled that Ms. Ricci’s case against Mr. Murphy had no probability of success on the merits, and therefore should be dismissed at this early stage before causing Mr. Murphy any further harm.  The Court also ruled that Mr. Murphy is entitled to recover his attorneys’ fees from Ms. Ricci.

We are extremely pleased with the Court!s ruling and believe it was the correct decision. Mr. Murphy has been the victim of an organized effort to ruin his reputation and the Court decision is Mr. Murphy’s vindication. We feel as if justice was served in this case. said Mr. Murphy’s attorney, Vicki Greco.

Today, Attorney Kevin Shenkman, counsel for Mr. Murphy will hold a 4:30pm press conference in front of Palmdale City Hall, 38300 Sierra Highway, Suite A.  Mr. Shenkman will also file a lawsuit on Mr. Murphy’s behalf today, seeking justice for Mr. Murphy from those who conspired with Ms. Ricci. This scheme began with the now-lame-duck Mayor Steve Hofbauer, seeking to eliminate Mr. Murphy from the Palmdale city government because Mr. Murphy insisted on serving the historically neglected communities of East Palmdale. Mr. Shenkman previously won a landmark voting rights case against then-councilmember Hofbauer and his colleagues, changing the way the Palmdale City Council is elected in order to ensure East Palmdale a voice in their local government. Mr. Murphy stood up to the illegal requests and actions of the mayor and his friends, and for that he was fired. Said Attorney Kevin Shenkman. €œI would also like to commend Vicki Greco for her outstanding representation of J.J. Murphy.

Vicki Greco and her firm have done a tremendous job to stop this injustice. This ordeal has harmed me, my family, Palmdale'€™s city government, and the Palmdale community. Without the support of my family, friends, veterans, doctors, and the Palmdale community, I am not sure where I would be today. I will never forget the support I have received” said J.J. Murphy.

As a father of five daughters, I have been proud to support the promotions, hiring, and mentoring of women and minorities throughout my career. Most Palmdale city employees knew these allegations were not true, but that did not stop those allegations from hurting me to my core, said Mr. Murphy.