Head of Detroit "cold case" unit allowed to sue City and supervisors after demotion

Odell Godbold argued that the cold case unit was disbanded, and he was demoted, after attempting to investigate the death of an exotic dancer allegedly associated with a party at the Mayor's home.  According to Godbold, the above actions were taken to prevent him from investigating matters relating to the mayor, and the "cold case" unit was re-established immediately after he retired.

The trial court refused to dismiss Godbold's claims in response to the defendants' arguments of governmental immunity, and the defendants appealed.  The Court of Appeals concluded that Godbold's claim of intentional misconduct should survive a motion for summary disposition, given the failure of the defendants to provide evidence that would meet the existing standards regarding immunity for an intentional act.