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A federal judge on Monday dismissed half of the claims in a lawsuit filed by former West Valley City police officer Shaun Cowley, who alleged he was made a "scapegoat" after the fallout of a fatal shooting.

Cowley filed the civil rights lawsuit in February against West Valley City and several of its employees and police officers, as well as Salt Lake County and District Attorney Sim Gill. In the complaint, the former officer claims he was defamed and suffered emotional distress after he was fired during a review of the Neighborhood Narcotic Unit — a review that was sparked by his fatal shooting of 21-year-old Danielle Willard during an undercover operation in 2012.

U.S. District Judge Bruce Jenkins on Monday dismissed several of the claims brought in Cowley's lawsuit, including that Cowley was unable to clear his name in an employment hearing, that he was the subject of malicious prosecution and that his due process rights were violated because of a hostile work environment.

With those claims dismissed, Gill and the county are now in the clear — though there are still three remaining claims going forward against West Valley City and its employees.

Stanley Preston, attorney for the city and its employees, said he is confident they will prevail on those claims, as well.

"We're very pleased," Preston said about Monday's ruling. "This is a very important step for the city."

Preston said the remaining claims involve allegations of unreasonable search and seizure after Cowley's locker was searched by members of the police force, other due process claims and claims that the city influenced the prosecution.

Cowley was charged in 3rd District Court with second-degree felony manslaughter for shooting Willard, though a judge later dismissed the case against him before it went to trial.

In November 2012, Cowley and his partner, Kevin Salmon, were engaged in an undercover drug investigation when they approached Willard — who was unarmed — in her car at an apartment parking stall. Cowley said that when Willard backed out of the parking space, he thought she was trying to run him over.

Both officers fired several shots: Cowley's fatally wounded the woman, while one of Salmon's bullets grazed Willard's chin.

Following the review of the narcotics unit, the city pursued administrative and criminal claims against Cowley. He claims he was made a scapegoat for the department's misconduct. He adds in his lawsuit that city manager Wayne Pyle ordered a hearing officer to fire Cowley "to save face" following public backlash from the Willard case. Cowley was fired, though he appealed his termination and eventually won his job back.

But his attorney, Daniel Baczynski, argued Monday that Cowley was not afforded a complete appeal hearing where he could clear his name, noting that he won the appeal because the city could not produce a policy manual.

"So what?" Judge Jenkins said in response to Baczynski's arguments. "He won. The appeals process vindicated him."

Cowley's attorney argued in response that his client was still not given the chance to repair his reputation, and suggested that another method to satisfy Cowley would be for Gill to hold a press conference to clear his name.

Cowley returned to work in June 2015, but "faced a hostile work environment" and quit three days later.

No new court dates were immediately set Monday.