A former City of Colorado Springs employee recently won a $250,000 settlement, reports Denver's NBC affiliate, 7News.
The source states that Terry Velazquez filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city, alleging that she was put on 30-day paid administrative leave and ultimately fired in August 2011 for reasons related to gender discrimination and her decision to expose the misuse of the metro's funds.
"I have done nothing wrong, and the citizens of Colorado Springs have a right to know how their elected officials are functioning and also have a right to demand honesty and transparency in government," the victim said in a statement from 2011.
According to Velazquez, Colorado Springs mishandled the El Pomar Foundation money for the U.S. Olympic Committee and overpaid certain staff members. After the former employee came forward with this claim, Mayor Steve Bach launched a $65,000 investigation and reported in April of 2012 that there was no merit to Velazquez's accusations.
Still, a federal court approved the settlement, which is meant to cover the victim's back pay, court fees, termination costs and "related transition issues," reports the source.
"The parties mutually agreed that a final settlement would be in the best interest of both parties, allowing them to move forward along separate paths. There was no admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of the City," said Colorado Springs in a written statement.
If you live in Missouri and have been the victim of wrongful termination, you may want to consider scheduling a consultation with a lawyer in Kansas City. These experienced and locally based professionals can assess your claim, try your case in court and help you recover damages you may be entitled to.