Former Montana Highway Patrol Col. Steve Lavin is suing Attorney General Austin Knudsen over–what now appears to be, his forced retirement. It should be pointed-out that Steve Lavin, while serving in the top MHP post in Kalispell, also served as our State Rep. in what was then House District 8.
Lavin claims that he was actually fired by Knudsen, who he says was angry over an internal survey critical of the Attorney General, who commands the MHP. Lavin’s attorneys argue that Knudsen wanted to transfer the blame to the MHP Commander, rather than–in an election year, take responsibility himself. The survey was obtained by the Daily Montanan and published. If you remember, Knudsen threatened the newspaper with legal if the story wasn’t taken down.
Here’s another twist: it was a female trooper who presented the survey results to her Union. She was summarily dismissed from the Patrol.
Lavin’s lawsuit claims wrongful discharge, violation of due process, fraud and intentional infliction of emotion distress. He wants to be paid for the work he would have done until his planned retirement date, punitive damages and attorney fees.
