The legal dustup between Lathrop City Councilmember Minnie Diallo and Lathrop City Manager Steve Salvatore is now officially over.

On Wednesday, the attorney representing Diallo in her pursuit for a restraining order against Salvatore agreed to withdraw the case before the proceedings – which were already continued for a day – officially began.

Prior to the matter being discussed in open court, Allen Sawyer – Diallo’s attorney – stepped back into the chambers of San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Tony Agbayani with Salvatore’s lawyer, Albert Ellis, to discuss the case.

After it was announced that Diallo would no longer be pursuing the matter – she had alleged in court documents that Salvatore made a racially-charged comment and harassed in a phone call the morning after the council meeting in question – Salvatore’s lawyer withdrew his request for Diallo to cover the legal expenses that Salvatore incurred during the process.

“I am pleased that this matter has been brought to a conclusion,” Salvatore said in a statement following the development. “I vehemently deny allegations that have been made and I am pleased Councilmember Diallo recognized that fact. My sole focus has always been in the best interest of our community and the success of our future plans in Lathrop.”

Salvatore and Diallo were both present Monday night at the council’s November meeting, which took place the evening before both were scheduled to appear in Agbayani’s courtroom in Manteca.

And while the pending legal proceedings hung over the meeting Monday night and spurred quite a few comments from the audience during public comment, Salvatore’s statement appeared to indicate a willingness to move forward with the city’s pressing business.

“Councilmember Diallo had every opportunity to litigate her case, and it was her sole decision not to do that based on the state of events,” Salvatore wrote. “My decision not to pursue my claim for attorney’s fees was based on my desire to let the city heal an continue with the important business at hand.”

A request for comment from Diallo’s lawyer, Allen Sawyer, was not responded to as of press time.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.