There is a big stink in the Lubbock County Medical Examiner's office (and it isn't just the corpses)

[TexasTowelie]

August 14

Lubbock County terminates deputy medical examiner, cites 'insubordination'

Lubbock County has terminated Deputy Medical Examiner Luisa Florez, citing “unacceptable performance issues and insubordination.”

The termination letter was short, saying, “Your employment with Lubbock County is terminated effective Friday, August 14, 2015, at 5 p.m. due to unacceptable performance issues and insubordination,” according to a copy of the letter obtained by A-J Media.

Florez was the only deputy medical examiner in Lubbock County, working under Medical Examiner Sridhar Natarajan. She was hired in June 2013 and had an annual salary of $217,000, the second highest in the county behind Natarajan.

A-J Media was unable to get any further explanation on “unacceptable performance” and “insubordination” on Friday afternoon.

Read more: http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2015-08-14/lubbock-county-terminates-deputy-medical-examiner-cites-insubordination#.VdgLfZcT_RY .


August 19

Former deputy medical examiner files improper-termination lawsuit

Former Deputy Medical Examiner Luisa Florez, who was placed on paid administrative leave in February and terminated last week, says she was fired for reporting what she calls multiple illegal activities taking place at the Lubbock County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Florez filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Lubbock County on Wednesday. She also filed a defamation suit against Medical Examiner Sridhar Natarajan.

The suit against the county cites the Texas Whistleblower Act, which states, “A state or local governmental entity may not suspend or terminate the employment of, or take other adverse personnel action against, a public employee who in good faith reports a violation of law by the employing governmental entity or another public employee.”

Florez said the county suspended and then fired her as a direct result of her “good faith report” when she requested an investigation into the alleged activities.

Read more: http://lubbockonline.com/local-news/2015-08-19/former-deputy-medical-examiner-files-improper-termination-lawsuit#.VdgLhJcT_RY


August 21

Lubbock medical examiner seeks dismissal for defamation lawsuit from fired deputy ME

Lubbock County Medical Examiner Sridhar Natarajan has filed a request for dismissal in the case brought against him by former Deputy Medical Examiner Luisa Florez.

This filing Thursday came one day after Florez filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Lubbock County (its commissioners, medical examiner’s office and Natarajan) and an individual defamation suit against Natarajan.

Florez was terminated Aug. 14 and is seeking monetary relief of more than $200,000 but no more than $1 million from the county, and more than $1 million from Natarajan.

According to the answer, Natarajan denies all allegations and requests the case against him be dismissed, while also demanding stricter proof by form of a request for disclosure.

Read more: http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2015-08-21/lubbock-medical-examiner-seeks-dismissal-defamation-lawsuit-fired-deputy-me#.VdgJ9ZcT_RY


[font color=330099]With the whistleblower allegations of back-dated autopsy reports, unqualified technicians conducting autopsies, and altering of reports every autopsy in Lubbock County is dubious. If the allegations are proven, then it may result in retrials and overturned verdicts that will cost the taxpayers dearly. The officials involved with this scandal need to be investigated by either the Texas Rangers or the FBI to regain the trust of the citizens.[/font]

[NV Whino]

1. A plot straight out of CSI

I can foresee an out of court settlement, without admission of guilt, in the near future.

[Gothmog]

2. This sounds like a mess