GOOD THUNDER — A Blue Earth County jury awarded more than $3.1 million to former Good Thunder City Clerk Ashney Helleksen after finding the city unlawfully retaliated against her for reporting suspected legal violations and for engaging in protected activity.
The verdict found that Helleksen’s report of a violation or suspected violation of law, as well as her participation in an investigation by the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor, was a motivating factor in the city’s decision to discharge or otherwise penalize her.
The jury awarded Helleksen $600,000 in compensatory damages for emotional distress and wage loss. It also awarded $2.5 million in punitive damages, bringing the total award to $3.1 million.
According to court documents, Helleksen filed suit after her April 2023 termination as clerk, alleging violations of the Minnesota Whistleblower Act and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
According to the civil complaint filed in February 2024, Helleksen was hired as city clerk in 2019 and later reported what she believed was harassment by then-Councilmember Ron Kaul, retaliation after raising workplace concerns and sex discrimination.
The lawsuit claims that in 2021 and 2022 she was in contact with the OSA regarding concerns involving then-Mayor Robert Anderson’s participation in city business transactions that she believed involved conflicts of interest, embezzlement, fraud and other improper conduct. Helleksen said she provided documents and information to...
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