Missouri House chief clerk sues Dean Plocher, Rod Jetton alleging whistleblower retaliation
The top staff member of the Missouri House filed a lawsuit Friday accusing Speaker Dean Plocher and his chief of staff, Rod Jetton, of harassment and intimidation during battles over ethics charges and hiring decisions.
House Chief Clerk Dana Miller’s lawsuit follows months allegations about misconduct by Plocher and a House Ethics Committee investigation that ultimately was dismissed as the chairwoman released documents accusing Plocher of obstructed an investigation
In her lawsuit, filed in Cole County Circuit Court, Miller cited the statute protecting whistleblowers from retaliation as the basis of her complaint. Miller, who is a nonpartisan officer elected by all 163 members of the House, said during a news conference that she did not intend to seek another term when a newly elected House is seated in January.
“We have a culture of fear now in that building with the staff that work there, and it’s time for me to speak up and say something,” Miller said.
https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/31/missouri-house-chief-clerk-sues-dean-plocher-rod-jetton-alleging-whistleblower-retaliation/