The San Diego City Council unanimously approved setting aside $250,000 to defend against civil lawsuits after a former police officer admitted to misconduct while on duty.
City leaders approved the request from the City Attorney's Office Tuesday.
City Attorney Jan Goldsmith asked for the funds in the event they were needed to hire outside council to defend former San Diego Police Officer Christopher Hays in any future lawsuits.
Hays pleaded guilty to felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor counts of assault and battery under the color of authority by a peace officer on Aug. 22.
Hays had resigned from the police department after four women claimed he had inappropriately touched and groped them during pat downs while he was on duty.
He faces a maximum of five years behind bars but may wind up being sentenced to about one year. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 26.
