Couple claims retaliation by managers working in sheriff's department.Byline: Bill Bishop The Register-Guard A married couple who work for the Lane County Sheriff's Office have filed separate lawsuits in federal court, alleging that sheriff's managers retaliated against them after the woman, Vicki Slater, complained that a manager transmitted inappropriate sexual content over the office e-mail. In a court document, the county's lawyer said an internal investigation showed the e-mails were not inappropriate. County officials also deny that managers retaliated against Vicki or Spence n. 1. A place where provisions are kept; a buttery; a larder; a pantry. In . . . his spence, or "pantry" were hung the carcasses of a sheep or ewe, and two cows lately slaughtered. - Sir W. Scott. Slater. Each suit seeks at least $300,000 in damages, plus punitive damages Monetary compensation awarded to an injured party that goes beyond that which is necessary to compensate the individual for losses and that is intended to punish the wrongdoer. . Lane County Sheriff Russ Burger said he is not able to comment about pending litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. . The county's lawyer handling the case was out of town and unavailable for comment on Tuesday. Vicki Slater has worked as an administrative assistant in the department since 1995. Spence Slater, a detective sergeant, is a 19-year veteran deputy, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. county records. In her lawsuit, Vicki Slater said she complained two years ago that Sheriff's Lt. Randy Smith Randy Smith can refer to any of the following people:
Afterward af·ter·ward also af·ter·wards adv. At a later time; subsequently. Adv. 1. afterward - happening at a time subsequent to a reference time; "he apologized subsequently"; "he's going to the store but he'll be back here , Slater claims that Smith confronted her, criticized the fact she worked in the same area as her husband, Spence Slater, and "expressed contempt" for Vicki Slater's role in the union representing sheriff's employees. Slater also claims Ewing "trumped up" concerns about her job performance in an evaluation in 2006. In his lawsuit, Spence Slater said he supported his wife's claims. Slater also accuses Smith of unfairly evaluating his job performance. Both Slaters claim the county retaliated against them by issuing them notices of layoff in May 2007. Both remain employed by the sheriff's office. In response to the suits, county attorney LianeRichardson noted the layoff notices were sent to 180 county employees due to anticipated loss of federal funds Federal Funds Funds deposited to regional Federal Reserve Banks by commercial banks, including funds in excess of reserve requirements. Notes: These non-interest bearing deposits are lent out at the Fed funds rate to other banks unable to meet overnight reserve . The funds were continued for one year, avoiding the layoffs. No court dates have been set. |
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