Police chief sues Progreso over unpaid overtime

McALLEN, TEXAS (ValleyCentral) — Police Chief Cesar Solis filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Progreso on Friday, claiming the city failed to pay him thousands in overtime.

In April 2022, the city asked Solis to care for a police K-9 named Ozzy, who had bitten two other city employees.

“An aggressive canine, Ozzy prevented (and still prevents) the Chief and his family from playing in the Chief’s backyard. In fact, Ozzy bit a visitor in March of 2024, ripping her leggings,” according to the lawsuit. “Caring for Ozzy also interrupted the Chief’s time with his family. Because Ozzy required constant monitoring and care, Chief could not leave for out-of-town vacations for an extended period of days.”

Progreso didn’t pay Solis overtime for watching Ozzy from May 2022 to May 2024, according to the lawsuit, or cover the cost of dog food.

It’s not clear how much Progreso might owe Solis. The lawsuit doesn’t specify an amount.

During the two-year period, however, Solis earned more than $26 per hour. If he spent just one hour caring for Ozzy every day, Solis could be entitled to more than $32,000 in overtime.

“Defendant owes Plaintiff the difference between the rates actually paid and the proper overtime rates as unpaid or underpaid overtime wages,” according to the lawsuit, which accuses Progreso of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Along with overtime, the lawsuit requests damages and legal fees.

City Manager Alfredo Espinosa and City Attorney Javier Villalobos didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon. Attorney Mauro F. Ruiz of McAllen, who represents Solis, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

An initial hearing in the case is scheduled for November.