A Redding man who’s been acquitted of charges of sexually assaulting a young family member is suing the City of Redding for defamation and wrongful termination. RPD Detectives started investigating 45-year-old Phetakhom Tu Manivong in May of 2022, interviewing the teenage accuser and other witnesses. The Police Department alleged that the victim, who had been in Manivong’s custody, was sexually abused for about a year-and-a-half. Manivong worked for the City of Redding as a heavy equipment operator, and was placed on leave when he was arrested. Despite being found not guilty and formally acquitted, Manivong has been unable to get his job back. His lawsuit is seeking $12 Million.
-Steve Gibson