County commissioners approve letters of engagement

by | Dec 1, 2022 | Latest

Collin County is lawyering up as it engages with a federal lawsuit filed Oct. 31 in the Northern District Court of Texas.

The initial lawsuit alleges that Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis “created a toxic workplace by targeting female employees to try to flirt with or to direct outright sexual advances.” It also alleges First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye’s office is run like  “a crass, misogynistic fraternity” that has “systemic hazing of the county’s attorneys, investigators and staff.”

Willis has previously denied claims of wrongdoing in his Nov. 16 press conference at the County Courthouse.

Also named as defendants in the suit are County Judge Chris Hill and county commissioners  Darrell Hale, Susan Fletcher, Cheryl Williams and Duncan Webb.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are current and former employees of the county and include: Chief Investigator Kim Pickrell, Deputy Chief Investigator Keith Henslee, former prosecutor Fallon LaFleur, prosecutor Vykim Le, former receptionist Jane Doe 1, and former communications director Jane Doe 2.

During the Nov. 14 commissioner’s court meeting, a letter of engagement to represent the county was considered as part of the consent agenda. The law firm the county is engaging for its defense is Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd, and Hullett, P.C.

According to a copy of the engagement letter attached in the meeting agenda, the hourly cost for a director-level attorney is $375, $250 for an associate attorney and $125 for legal assistants or legal interns. The county will be billed monthly for incurred expenses.

To Login to read the full story or to subscribe, visit https://publisher.etype.services/Murphy-Monitor

0 Comments

Public Notice - Subscribe

Related News

Author, biblical scholar releases latest book

Author, biblical scholar releases latest book

Wylie author John Hobbs recently released his latest book, “Digging Deep into Scripture.,” which takes an in-depth look at issues such as true discipleship, the nature of the Bible, the Holy Spirit and more. John Hobbs, DMin., a retired math teacher and pastor from...

read more
Dads, daughters dance under the sea

Dads, daughters dance under the sea

A sea of balloons tumble from the ceiling to end the Friday, Jan. 31, Murphy Daddy Daughter Dance. Long blue streamers and fish mobiles decorated the walls of the Murphy Community Center as girls in bright party dresses danced with their dads. Some of the men had...

read more
Local reps begin work in Austin

Local reps begin work in Austin

Collin County lawmakers have begun work in the 89th Texas Legislature with Rep. Candy Noble visiting the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Rep. Jeff Leach meeting with multiple groups, individuals and constituents from across District 67 and the state. “I’m glad that Gov....

read more
Three trustees to be elected in May

Three trustees to be elected in May

At press time, two Collin College Trustees were among four candidates who have filed for the Saturday, May 3, board election. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, to file for election to six-year terms in Places 4, 5 and 6. Place 5 Trustee Raj Menon of Plano...

read more
Murphy PD makes history

Murphy PD makes history

The Murphy Police Department has received national attention for its achievement in completing a 24-month policy implementation in 4.5 months, Chief Jeff Gibson told the Tuesday, Feb. 4, council meeting.Councilmembers also adopted amendments to the city code,...

read more
Registration open for Backyard BBQ teams

Registration open for Backyard BBQ teams

Barbecue grillers are sharpening their skewers and seasoning their firewood in anticipation of Murphy’s first Backyard BBQ Cook-off. The non-sanctioned competition Saturday, May 10, in Central Park replaces Tunes, Tails and Ales festival that was discontinued because...

read more
Public Hearing at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Public Hearing at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4.

The Murphy City Council will hold a public hearing and consider and/or act on an Ordinance amending Chapter 30 of the Murphy Code of Ordinances, Section 30.02.153-30.02.154 “Application” and “Notice of Public Hearing” to amend the notification standards, Section...

read more
Public Notice - Subscribe