In what has been framed as a significant win for the Missouri taxpayers, Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office successfully defended the Missouri Department of Corrections against a weighty employment discrimination lawsuit. According to an announcement made by the Attorney General's Office, a former employee’s allegations of unlawful discrimination were unanimously dismissed by a jury in Jackson County Circuit Court, thus saving the state from what could have been a considerable financial burden.
"This verdict sends a clear message: we will not allow meritless claims to disrupt the operations of our state agencies or burden the taxpayers of Missouri," Bailey stated, underscoring the outcome as a protection against unfounded legal challenges that, and the office's readiness to defend the State's laws and public servants amidst such allegations. The case, which involved claims of denied promotions and retaliation, culminated in a complete defense verdict, dismissing the plaintiff's demands that approached the realm of tens of millions of dollars in damages, as per the Attorney General's Office.
The press release details that the plaintiff's case was thoroughly dismantled by the Attorney General’s Employment Law Section in court, where it was demonstrated that the allegations lacked factual support and contradicted by credible testimony and evidence.
Attorney General Bailey praised the "exceptional talent and dedication" of the civil defense attorneys involved in the case. The proceedings resulted in the dismissal of the plaintiff's monetary claims, upheld the Department of Corrections' reputation, and supported state employment practices, according to the Attorney General's Office.
