Fairbanks case moves to federal court

FAIRBANKS - A lawsuit filed against the city of Fairbanks and its top two police officers was moved recently from state to federal court.

Two officers, Doug Whorton and Al Hutton, filed the lawsuit last month. In it, they claim they were demoted after complaining of faulty equipment, lack of training and nepotism.

The city's answer to the lawsuit is due today.

Court documents show the case was moved to federal court because of federal constitutional claims, including that the officers' free speech was violated.