YPSILANTI, MI - A former City of Ypsilanti employee is suing the city and two officials for $1.5 million, alleging she was wrongfully fired because of her age, sex and disability and in retaliation for reporting suspected nepotism and timekeeping violations.

Lorrie L. Thomas filed the lawsuit Jan. 5 in Washtenaw County Circuit Court against the City of Ypsilanti, City Clerk Tracey Boudreau and City Manager Andrew Hellenga. The complaint cites Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act and state laws prohibiting discrimination based on sex, age and disability.

Thomas, 56, served as deputy city clerk from December 2023 until she was terminated in August 2025. According to the complaint, issues began in July 2024 when she requested workplace accommodations for a hearing‑related disability. She alleges retaliation followed.

The lawsuit also alleges Thomas raised concerns about improper payroll practices involving Boudreau’s daughter, Molly Boudreau. In September 2024, the Ypsilanti City Council approved a resolution allowing the city clerk to employ her daughter as a contract employee for elections through Feb. 28, 2025.

Thomas alleges the daughter remained on the payroll until mid‑April 2025, with Boudreau telling her the work involved cleaning the basement.

Thomas reported those concerns to HR Director Rachel Frye and Hellenga in April 2025, the lawsuit states. Days later, on May 2, she was called into a meeting where Boudreau issued a disciplinary letter stating she...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMizgFBVV95cUxPNERxam9xS0ZZT0RuLWk2a2g5...