DC policeman sues over demotion that followed Charlie Sheen’s high-speed police escort

WASHINGTON – A D.C. police captain who was demoted after actor Charlie Sheen received a high-speed police escort to a performance has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the department.

Hilton Burton alleges in his suit that he was punished for saying that police escorts for celebrities were a common practice. That statement contradicted Police Chief Cathy Lanier, who said the escort broke department protocol.

Burton’s lawyer says the suit seeks at least $6 million.

Burton was demoted from commander to captain about a month after testifying before the D.C. Council. He was also transferred from his division.

Lanier has said the demotion wasn’t connected to the escort or to Burton’s testimony. She didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

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