ST. PAUL, Minn. - A former top Minnesota Lottery official suing over her termination had the attention of Gov. Mark Dayton's office in 2012 for misconduct that "created public embarrassment" for the agency.
Documents released to The Associated Press detail alcohol-related infractions of Johnene Canfield, including several instances of public intoxication while she was acting lottery director. Canfield was assistant director when she was fired in May.
Canfield's attorney, Kevin Beck, says his client doesn't dispute the accounts but argues she received mixed messages rather than needed help. Her lawsuit seeks damages and possible reinstatement.
She had been on leave after a drunken-driving crash that occurred within 30 minutes of participating in a conference call about a failed lottery game.
In 2012, Canfield served a 10-day suspension handed down by Dayton's chief of staff.
