SHREVEPORT, La. -- A former Shreveport employee who blew the whistle about financial improprieties he witnessed has filed suit against the city, alleging his termination was in violation of state law.
Ben Hebert was fired from his position as the city's controller on Dec. 31. It happened days after Hebert reported financial concerns to his supervisor, interim Chief Financial Officer Kasey Brown.
"It was fairly quick and frankly I didn’t’ expect it. Mr. Brown and Mr. Mayor walked in. The mayor just looked at me and he said, 'Mr. Hebert, I appreciate what you’ve done for the city but we no longer need your services. You’re terminated.' And he turned around and walked out. It was very cold, unexpected," Hebert said Thursday of his termination.
Hebert has now filed a suit alleging his dismissal is a violation of the Louisiana whistleblower statute as, accusing the city of ending his employment because of his protected whistleblowing activities.
Hebert is seeking whistleblower damages from the city through state court.
“Clearly there is a management problem under the current administration at the City of Shreveport. This lawsuit is about the illegal termination of Mr. Hebert’s employment within days of his reporting and refusing to participate in financial improprieties. Such conduct by City leaders is retaliatory and illegal. This lawsuit is about justice for Mr. Hebert," said attorney Allison Jones, who is representing Hebert.
The city's administration didn’t respond to the...
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