(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry is responding to a lawsuit filed against former Mayor Ron Meer.

Four Michigan City Police officers alleging defamation of character and emotional distress are seeking over $500,000 in damages. They claim former Mayor Ron Meer targeted them because they were involved in his stepson’s drug-related arrest before the November election.

Meer claims his son was targeted to try and cost him reelection. He narrowly lost his bid for a third term. Mayor Duane Parry says he supports the police officers and he’s not happy his administration will have to spend time and effort on the matter in the courts because of what happened prior to his administration taking over.