A northern New Mexico city has settled a tort claim filed by its former police chief over allegations of city misconduct and creating a hostile work environment.

The Las Vegas Optic reports the city of Las Vegas paid out more than $54,000 after Juan Montano filed the claim last year.

City officials say Las Vegas paid $33,500 to Montano and the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico. Montano also received about $21,000 for accumulated vacation and sick time.

Montano's attorney Raul A. Carrillo Jr. sent a letter to the city last summer, claiming Montano faced retaliation from the city for the "performance of his legal duties and obligations."

Montano became chief in December 2014. He recently left the department.