Officer Files Claim Over Firing in Sex Case

A former South Pasadena police officer filed a claim against the city Wednesday, alleging that in the course of firing him for having on-duty sex the department relied on an illegally obtained tape recording.

Robert Mesch was fired last year after Theresa Goldston told police that she had an 18-month liaison with him. During their relationship, Goldston tape-recorded Mesch without Mesch’s knowledge, Mesch’s claim alleges.

In his claim, Mesch alleges that the tape was illegally obtained and improperly used to terminate him. Another officer with whom Goldston claimed to have had on-duty sex resigned. Goldston, who said she had relationships with a total of seven officers, filed a claim against the department that was settled for $18,000.

Mesch’s claim also states that someone in the department may have improperly given Goldston his home address, leading her to visit him and leave a note.

Goldston and her attorney declined to comment. Police said last year that Goldston’s recordings were not illegal. A city employee confirmed receiving the claim, but no ranking officials could be reached for comment late Wednesday afternoon.

Former Police Chief Thomas Mahoney, who oversaw Mesch’s termination, retired after city officials moved to terminate him earlier this year in the wake of the sex scandal and allegations that the department covered up a hit-and-run crash involving an officer.