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Not only did they get off...they are going to cash in...ODNR

Milo

Tatonka guide.
8,184
157
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/02/04/odnr-employees-file-lawsuit.html


Five current and former Ohio Department of Natural Resources employees are seeking more than $2 million in damages, claiming they faced unjustified criminal charges from a politically motivated investigation.

Their lawsuit, stemming from a former inspector general’s probe of whether DNR officials properly handled and reported alleged misconduct by a wildlife officer, was filed last week in U.S. District Court in Columbus.

The suit claims that former Inspector General Thomas P. Charles and others conspired to target the DNR employees in an attempt to discredit former Democrat Gov. Ted Strickland as he unsuccessfully ran for re-election in 2010.

It also alleges that Charles went prosecutor “shopping,” with charges filed by the Brown County prosecutor after Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien declined to act on the case.

The employees claim their constitutional rights were violated as they were unlawfully prosecuted as the result of a “conspiracy.”

Charges against the DNR employees were dismissed last year after the Ohio Supreme Court ruled their statements could not be used against them because they were illegally told they could be fired if they did not cooperate.

DNR, the inspector general’s office, the Brown County prosecutor’s office, their current and former leaders and other officials are named as defendants.

Those suing are Randy Miller, former DNR assistant chief; James Lehman Jr., former executive law enforcement administrator; Michelle Ward-Tackett, former human resources manager; David Graham, former division of wildlife chief; and Todd Haines, a former wildlife district manager. Only Haines and Ward-Tackett still work for DNR, in lower positions.

A 2009 report by Charles’ office found that DNR supervisors acted improperly when they failed to report a wildlife officer for potential prosecution for allowing an out-of-state wildlife officer to file false paperwork and buy a much-cheaper in-state hunting license. The officer had received a verbal reprimand.

Felony charges of obstructing justice and complicity in obstructing justice ultimately were filed against the supervisors. The lawsuit claims that Brown County Prosecutor Jessica Little presented “misleading or inaccurate” information to a grand jury to obtain indictments.

The lawsuit also alleges that former state Rep. Danny Bupb, R-West Union, Little’s former law partner, was chosen as DNR director after Republican Gov. John Kasich was elected, but that he withdrew from the position before Kasich took office in 2011. The suit alleges that he wanted the five employees fired.

A spokesman for current Inspector General Randall J. Meyer noted that the allegations of improper conduct against the office occurred while Charles was inspector general. The office is reviewing the lawsuit, he said. A Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman declined to comment. Comment was being sought from Little and Charles.

rludlow@dispatch.com
 

Jackalope

Dignitary Member
Staff member
38,841
260
So am I reading this right. The defendents, meaning the ones being sued, include the ODNR and the current and former leaders of the ODNR?

Yep. The ones that got fired or demoted for breaking the law are now suing the DNR claiming someone was out to get them.