Montana News

EX-MT state worker alleges sex-based favoritism at DES

Posted: Feb 9, 2013 10:16 PM by Lindsey Gordon - MTN News

HELENA - Monique Lay, the former public information officer at Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, spoke out about being fired from the agency last year.

She filed a lawsuit against multiple agencies and individuals on Friday, including the State of Montana Department of Military Affairs.

Court documents state that Lay is claiming wrongful discharge, actual malice and bad faith action by defendants for terminating her employment and refusing to hire her for other positions after nearly 22 years of employment.

This was after she complained that DES Chief of Staff Paul Grimstad gave preferential treatment to another employee in exchange for sex.

Defendants in the suit include the State of Montana Department of Military Affairs and the Disaster and Emergency Services Division.

Now-Lieutenant Governor John Walsh, is included as a defendant with Erv Kent for their official capacities with the State Montana Military Affairs Department.

Ed Tinsley, Paul Grimstad, and Jessica Davies are also being sued in their official capacities with Disasters and Emergency Services.