Ballwin’s former police chief, Douglas Schaeffler, is walking away with a $200,000 settlement after being fired over misconduct allegations.
Schaeffler was terminated in December 2023 following claims that he drove a city vehicle while intoxicated and improperly searched citizen backgrounds without probable cause. Records show more than 1,000 people were randomly run through a criminal justice database, including residents like Matthew Conlon and Michael Scott, who spoke out when the story first surfaced.
Scott, one of more than 1,200 citizens Ballwin acknowledges were secretly checked, said he was disappointed by the payout, calling it a reward for bad behavior. He believes his search may have happened after he questioned the city’s police drone program at a council meeting.
Schaeffler later sued for wrongful termination, which led to the settlement. Along with the $200,000 payment, the agreement allows him to receive full retirement benefits through the government system. The city council approved the deal unanimously in August 2025, and it was finalized in December.
Schaeffler also gave up his police license earlier this month. His attorney said he has retired after a long career and no longer needs it.
Ballwin officials haven’t commented further beyond releasing public documents.