Britt Sexual Harassment Case Appears Near an End

In 2023, former Britt Police Chief Mark Anderson took action against the City of Britt for sexual harassment by then Mayor Ryan Arndorfer and then City Councilman Chad Luecht. Anderson alleged that Arndorfer and Luecht subjected him to graphic sexual text messages and indecent comments. The messages were sent between 2017 and 2020 and were in a group format. There were also indications that Anderson alleged, where resources for the Britt Police Department were threatened as a means to have him comply with the activity.

Arndorfer stated in an official filing that the messages were to and from everyone including Anderson. He also said that they were adult in nature and that adult friends could share. He stated that Anderson was a full participant and that the messages were humorous and playful among friends.

The City of Britt allegedly defended itself saying that it, “lacks sufficient control and authority over elected officials, such as the Mayor and City Councilmembers, to be held liable for their actions.” The city also filed with the court a claim that it lacks sufficient information to admit or deny the allegations of Anderson.

According to court records, Arndorfer may be dismissed as a defendant because Anderson stated that the issue between, he and Arndorfer has been resolved. Anderson is expected to dismiss the lawsuit against the city and former Councilman Curt Gast who was accused of employment discrimination by Anderson in the suit. That dismissal is expected when settlement agreements have been reached between all parties.