News : Former Urbana Police Chief Drops Lawsuit

Former Urbana Police Chief, Joshua Baker, has dropped his lawsuit against the City of Urbana, the Mayor and City Clerk. Baker was put on paid leave back in April of 2024.

The Urbana City Council voted 3 to 2 to end the police chief’s contract in May of 2025, firing Baker without cause.

In June of 2024, he filed a lawsuit against City of Urbana, Mayor Gary Benson, and Urbana City Clerk Jennifer Burkhar. In his lawsuit, he claimes that the mayor and city clerk abused power, launched an unwarranted investigation, and withheld wages.

Court documents indicate that an associate attorney left the office of Baker's lawyer, leaving an increased burden on the office prior to trial. The documents indicate that Baker’s attorney say it will affect the ability to fully prepare for trial.