Minnesota DNR manager who won job back sues agency
A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources enforcement manager who won her job back in an arbitrator's ruling is suing the agency.
Capt. Cathy Hamm was fired for her role in a 2007 game wardens conference. The legislative auditor said the DNR misspent $300,000 on the meeting. Her husband, Mike Hamm, the DNR's enforcement director, was forced to retire over his role.
Hamm's lawsuit, filed Thursday, alleges Cathy Hamm was discriminated against on gender and marital status. It also alleges defamation and violation of the state data practices law.
An arbitrator ruled last October that upper DNR management was responsible for any misuse of public money and staff time.
The suit seeks damages "in excess of $50,000" plus attorney's fees.
DNR spokeswoman Colleen Coyne says the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.