Caledonia Argus

Complaint against HCSO moves forward

Posted: 1/13/04

By David Heiller
Argus News Editor

A civil complaint by a former deputy against the Houston County Sheriffís Department is moving forward.

Linda Coffield, who resigned from her position on December 31, has filed a two-count complaint alleging sexual discrimination and retaliation.

The lawsuit claims that her treatment was in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

It was served on the county on December 10, but had not been filed with the county as of January 12.

Houston County denies all the charges, according to Dyan Ebert, an attorney representing the county. She said after a closed meeting with county commissioners on December 30 that the case will now be scheduled for trial. ìThings could be settled short of trial,î Ebert said. ìThe litigation is very much in its infancy.î

Coffield had been employed by the Houston County Sheriffís office for 14 years. She was the only female deputy. The six page complaint, which was prepared by attorney Beth Bertelson, describes 10 instances of alleged sexual discrimination and four instances of alleged retaliation.

She claims that she was held to different standards than her male counterparts, and that she was reprimanded in cases where males were not for the same actions.

The complaint says that Coffield suffered damages of emotional distress, mental and physical anguish, pain and suffering, and lost wages. She is asking for payment for punitive damages, lost wages and benefits, and all costs and attorney fees.

Ebert responded on behalf of Houston County that administration relative to Coffieldís work performance was justified and appropriate, and that she was not treated differently than male colleagues with regard to work performance and associated evaluations.

Coffield had filed a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on November 21, 2002, but she withdrew it on November 25, 2003.

Bertleson said the complaint was withdrawn because of the length of time that the Department of Human Rights was taking in looking at the complaint. ìThe only way you get things bound to a judgment is through court,î Bertleson said.

Coffield also submitted a gender discrimination complaint on September 18, 2002. Houston County hired an independent investigator who found that no discrimination had taken place.

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