Fraud tipster says state agency revealed her identity
A tipster who alerted a Minnesota government agency to potential fraud involving unemployment benefits is suing after her identity was mistakenly revealed to the man she turned in.
Michele Meier says she now fears for her safety.
She filed her lawsuit Thursday against the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The lawsuit says she shares a child with the man accused of fraud and there has been a history of domestic violence in their relationship.
Meier seeks at least $50,000 in damages. She says she alerted the agency about the possible fraud "in full confidence that her report would remain anonymous." Her name and identifying details were included in a record released to the man, and he has approached her about the complaint.
A department spokeswoman had no immediate comment.
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