Sedgwick County approves $10.3 million settlement to resolve claims in 2021 death of Cedric Loftton

The Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners on March 4 approved a $10.3 million settlement to resolve federal and state claims arising from the 2021 death of Cedric Loftton, and authorized transferring $10.3 million from the general fund into the county's risk management reserve to cover the payment.

County Counselor Justin Wagner told commissioners the agreement would resolve all claims, including attorney's fees, and that the county would not file post-trial motions or appeals if the settlement is signed by the plaintiffs. The payment would bring the county's outlay to $10.3 million, he said, representing a negotiated resolution of an earlier jury verdict and related legal exposure.

Commissioners emphasized the county's parallel work to improve juvenile-care systems. Commissioner Jason Brady (read as Commissioner Brady in the record) said the settlement does not erase the tragedy but signals an opportunity to continue reforms; he noted a task force created after the incident produced 58 recommendations, and staff reported 52 of those recommendations have been implemented. Chairman Jeff Blue read prepared remarks acknowledging the loss and explaining the board's decision to settle to avoid prolonged appeals and uncertainty.

The board passed the motion to accept the settlement and the accompanying resolution transferring funds by a 5vote. Wagner said he would not sign the final settlement document until the plaintiff's counsel returned a signed copy, a common practice to ensure mutual execution.

Public speakers during the meeting referenced the jury verdict and urged accountability and attention to youth affected. Elma Anne Jones read a statement from Marquita Atkins Woods, who urged commissioners to send a message of accountability and noted the community impact of the case.

The county's action ends pending civil litigation at the local level and moves funding into the risk-management account so the county can meet its financial obligation if the plaintiff finalizes the settlement. Commissioners said they viewed settling as the fiscally responsible option to conclude costly litigation while continuing system improvements tied to juvenile services.

The commission's vote was recorded as 5in favor and 0 opposed. No binding appeal or other post-approval action was announced at the meeting.