Former Des Moines Sergeant Sued City Over Firing
Natale Chiodo filed a lawsuit alleging the department ignored his PTSD before firing him in April 2023.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Former Des Moines police sergeant Natale Chiodo sued the city after his April 2023 termination. He claims the department failed to accommodate his PTSD despite his repeated requests for assistance.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centers on whether the department failed to provide required fitness-for-duty evaluations or medical leave. The city maintains the firing was strictly based on findings from a November 2022 sexual harassment investigation.
The lawsuit is currently pending in the Des Moines legal system. The case follows a separate 2023 verdict involving former sergeant Matthew Hunter, which was later overturned.
The players
Natale Chiodo
He is a former sergeant who served in the Des Moines Police Department from 2000 until his termination in 2023.
Matthew Hunter
He is a former police sergeant who previously won a jury verdict against the Des Moines Police Department that was later overturned on appeal.
Des Moines Police Department
It is the primary law enforcement agency for the city of Des Moines that currently faces multiple lawsuits regarding its employment practices.
The details
Chiodo alleges he struggled with PTSD following a 2010 armed confrontation and the 2016 death of his mentor, eventually leading to a December 2022 hospitalization. While the city cites policy violations for his firing, Chiodo contends he could not recall statements made during his acute health crisis.
Timeline
2010: Chiodo was involved in an armed confrontation.
2016: Chiodo's mentor died in the line of duty.
2020: Natale Chiodo was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
April 2023: The city fired Chiodo from the police department.
2027: A second trial is scheduled for the Matthew Hunter lawsuit.
Legal Context
This litigation follows the pattern established by the Matthew Hunter wrongful termination lawsuit regarding internal departmental oversight. Both cases highlight ongoing legal friction within the Des Moines law enforcement labor environment.
These ongoing legal battles involve significant city resources, including prior jury verdicts and active court cases. Residents may be affected by the long-term fiscal impact on the city budget and potential shifts in departmental policy.
The takeaway
Employment disputes involving claims of medical neglect often lead to prolonged legal proceedings that can span several years. Understanding the documentation process for medical leave requests remains a critical takeaway for employees navigating workplace health crises.
What happens next
The second trial regarding the Matthew Hunter lawsuit is scheduled for 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on local policing, see the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Des Moines Register.
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