Montana News
Former Montana Highway Patrol colonel files suit for wrongful termination
With Montana News, I'm Elinor Smith. The former head of the Montana Highway Patrol is suing the state's attorney general for wrongful discharge. MTPR Shaley Ragger reports. Former Colonel Steve Lavon says this spring he was forced to resign by attorney general Austin Knudson without warning or cause. The lawsuit was filed in Lewis and Clark County District Court. First reported by the Daily Montana, Lavon says he initiated an anonymous workplace survey that revealed unfavorable opinions of the agency and Knudson's leadership among troopers. Lavon says Knudson was upset and on the spot, asked Lavon to either resign or be fired. Emily Cantrell, spokesperson for the attorney general, said the highway patrol had lost confidence in Lavon as a leader and that Lavon's resignation was a mutual decision between the colonel and Knudson. She said the office can't comment on the pending suit. Lavon is suing the agency for wrongful discharge, violation of due process laws, fraud, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He's seeking wages and retirement benefits, punitive damages, and attorney's fees. Lavon began working for Montana Highway Patrol in 1992. Knudson tapped him to lead the patrol in 2021. Knudson is running for reelection to be the state's top attorney. In Helena, I'm Shaley Ragger.