Former NYPD officer, Sal Greco, is pressing ahead with a federal lawsuit alleging wrongful termination due to his affiliation with Roger Stone, one-time adviser to former President Trump. Although certain aspects of the case pertaining to First Amendment rights have been dismissed, Greco’s lawsuit accuses then-NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Deputy Commissioner Legal Matter Ernest Hart, Commanding Officer of the Internal Affairs Bureau Group Daniel Cutter, and Internal Affairs Group Sergeant Jeremy Orenstein of initiating an investigation and firing him based on his political and personal connections.

The lawsuit claims that Greco’s First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and association were violated. While Senior U.S. District Judge Frederic Block has dismissed some claims, he ruled that the “intimate association claim” and a claim under New York Labor Law concerning political activities outside of work hours are valid. The judge also noted that Greco has a legitimate claim of expressive association, emphasizing that granting qualified immunity at this stage is inappropriate.

Greco’s attorney, Eric Sanders, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that the crucial argument remains intact and they are eager to gather further evidence to support their case. The lawsuit names the defendants both in their individual capacities and as NYPD employees. Greco asserts that his termination resulted from his friendship with Roger Stone and his support for President Trump.

The case revolves around allegations that Greco associated with Stone, including assisting with his security detail in Washington, D.C., during the events of January 5-6, 2021. Despite facing disciplinary actions for his involvement, Greco contends that the NYPD unjustly targeted his associations and support for the “MAGA Movement.”