Officers sue Afr'Am Fest promoter

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Police officers and sheriff's deputies filed a lawsuit in Norfolk Tuesday, claiming they weren't paid for working security at the Afr'Am Fest .

The officers are claiming that the private promoter, Southeastern Virginia Arts Association, Inc. (SEVAA), is refusing to pay them for working security at this year's event, which was held Memorial Day weekend.

Attorney Martin Thomas Jr., of Decker, Cardon, Thomas, Weintraub & Neskis, P.C. , told WAVY.com his law firm is representing 51 law enforcement officers who were hired by Afr'Am Fest's promoter to provide security throughout the three-day festival. The law firm filed 51 separate lawsuits Tuesday in Norfolk General District Court, asking for a total of $43,320 the officers and sheriff's deputies were owed for working the event plus another $2,838 for filing the lawsuits.

WAVY.com spoke with Afr'Am Festival director Mark Madison last week. Madison said they are not refusing to pay the officers. He said they are still working on getting the payments processed and out to the officers.

The case is scheduled to be heard in court on July 19.

WAVY TV and WAVY.com will continue to closely follow this developing story.