GAHANNA, Ohio — A former Ohio police officer has dropped a $3.5 million lawsuit he filed claiming harassment after his wife [Beth Fifthen-pictured] appeared nude in Playboy two years ago.
The Columbus Dispatch reported Thursday that Ron Fifthen dropped the lawsuit as part of an out-of-court settlement with the Columbus suburb of Gahanna.
A copy of the settlement obtained by the newspaper said Fifthen resigned from the police department effective April 30 and received $35,000 as compensation for work through April.
Fifthen's attorney had claimed Fithen was harassed on the job, asked repeatedly for copies of the magazine and for the autograph of his wife, Beth.
The lawsuit also claimed police launched an investigation of the couple that caused emotional distress.
City officials had called the lawsuit absurd.
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