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November 24, 2009

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Whistleblower’s complaint rejected

Friday, Oct. 25, 2002 | 9:36 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A federal jury has rejected an estimated $190,000 claim by a former state investigator who said he was the victim of retaliation by his superiors for blowing the whistle on a case of misconduct.

The jury deliberated three hours in Reno Wednesday before clearing former state Division of Investigations Chief John Drew, former deputy Rick Cypher and supervisor Frank Clayton of allegations of violating the First Amendment rights of former division employee Mark Salopek.

He had lodged a complaint in 1994 about misuse of a state car and in 1996 was transferred from Elko to Carson City.

Salopek said his health deteriorated during his nine months in Carson City and he stopped coming to work despite letters from Drew. Salopek said he was too sick and remained at home in Elko.

He resigned in 1997 and filed suit in 1999, alleging his transfer was ordered because he reported that another employee in Elko used a state car for personal use.

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