Ex-county inspector sues, says he was targeted by bosses

Greg Tuttle

Monday, July 17, 2000 | 11:16 a.m.

A former Clark County building inspector facing criminal charges for allegedly falsifying records has filed a federal lawsuit claiming he was targeted by superiors when he refused to "solicit" funds from building contractors.

Marcus Durwood McAnally Jr., 46, is seeking unspecified damages from Clark County in the lawsuit filed last week in U.S. District Court. The lawsuit also names county Building Department supervisors Robert Weber, Ron Lynn, Greg Franklin and Gary Houk.

McAnally was fired in May 1999 after he was charged in District Court with 13 felony counts of falsifying inspection records. The charges allege McAnally changed records to show that remodeling and renovation projects at several Strip resorts and other projects by a friend's company had been approved.

McAnally alleges he was targeted as a whistle-blower after shedding light on the questionable practice of collecting funds from contractors to ensure permits and other paperwork were approved by building officials.

The lawsuit filed in federal court seeks damages for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, abuse of process, wrongful termination and civil conspiracy.

Clark County spokesman Doug Bradford said Monday the county will defend its decision to fire McAnally.

"We're firm on the reasons for his termination and will stand by them in court," he said.

The criminal trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 21. McAnally faces up to four years on each count if convicted.