A former Valparaiso city employee is suing the city and Police Chief Michael Brickner in federal court on allegations of age discrimination.
Sonja Stansberry was terminated from her position as a records clerk on July 15, according to a complaint filed Wednesday in Hammond federal court.
Stansberry is arguing she was terminated because of her age, according to the complaint.
According to court records, an assistant police chief told Stansberry in June that she must resign or face termination. The assistant chief told Stansberry she had a month to make a decision, or “he was going to recommend termination, and 'it's time for you to retire,'” according to the complaint.
The suit also states a comment was made that Stansberry, who had worked for the city since 1977, was “going to die at her desk.”
Brickner did not immediately return a request for comment as of Wednesday afternoon. Valparaiso police Sgt. Mike Grennes said the department typically does not comment on pending litigation.
Stansberry is requesting to be reinstated along with lost wages, lost benefits, back pay, back benefits.
Stansberry also had filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Please Wait…