Barton County Sheriff Employment Discrimination Lawsuit
By: Melanie Huonker
Updated: February 11, 2013
LAMAR, MO.--- Former Barton County Sheriff Deputy, Vincent Ashworth, and former dispatcher, Katharine Claflin, each filed an employment discrimination suit against the Barton County sheriff and commission.
Among the allegations outlined in court documents, Ashworth and Claflin told highway patrol investigators Sheriff Mitchell Shaw had missing funds from evidence and failed to enforce warrants. They also allege they were fired after investigators spoke with Shaw about the matter.
Both Ashworth and Claflin say they were wrongfully fired, citing lost wages and career opportunities. The commission is also named in the lawsuit because they are in charge of the sheriff's budget.
"Surprised that it came. I can understand now, after reading it, what they claim. We'll see what happens," said Dennis Wilson, Barton County Commissioner.
One of the lawyers representing the former employees says neither person has claimed a specific amount in lost wages. He says the two want the public to know the truth about their employment and termination. We attempted to contact Sheriff Shaw about the lawsuit, he has not returned our call.
Among the allegations outlined in court documents, Ashworth and Claflin told highway patrol investigators Sheriff Mitchell Shaw had missing funds from evidence and failed to enforce warrants. They also allege they were fired after investigators spoke with Shaw about the matter.
Both Ashworth and Claflin say they were wrongfully fired, citing lost wages and career opportunities. The commission is also named in the lawsuit because they are in charge of the sheriff's budget.
"Surprised that it came. I can understand now, after reading it, what they claim. We'll see what happens," said Dennis Wilson, Barton County Commissioner.
One of the lawyers representing the former employees says neither person has claimed a specific amount in lost wages. He says the two want the public to know the truth about their employment and termination. We attempted to contact Sheriff Shaw about the lawsuit, he has not returned our call.
Comments
Sounds to me like they just need to suck it up and go on.
John S.
February 13, 2013 at 10:42 am
