MINNEAPOLIS — Seven current and former employees of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, including current Sheriff Dawanna Witt, have filed a lawsuit against the county alleging workplace violations during the term of former Sheriff David Hutchinson.
Plaintiffs' attorney Steven Andrew Smith alleges the sheriff's office workers "suffered for years from a culture of bigotry and fear under former Sheriff Hutchinson." The lawsuit alleges the county didn't do enough to stop the behavior, accusing Hennepin County of violating the "Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Whistleblower Act, and Minnesota common law."
"None of us take this action lightly, but I join this suit to make sure that no one has to endure the type of behavior ever again that we had to endure here in Hennepin County," Sheriff Witt said at a press conference announcing the suit. "My goal is to ensure justice and safety for all, no matter one's position or status, every person, every system needs accountability."
“Racism, discrimination, retaliation and violence have no place in the workplace and time and again Hennepin County failed to create a safe and inclusive environment for its employees,” said Steven Andrew Smith, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, in a statement.
An independent investigation released by Hennepin County in late 2022 found Hutchinson "engaged in racist, sexist, harassing, bullying and retaliatory behavior" and had a pattern of "communicating in a demeaning and bullying way" to staff in his office.
In a statement sent to KARE 11, a Hennepin County spokesperson called the lawsuit "disappointing."
"All County staff and officials are expected to create work environments in which all are respected, valued, and welcomed. All County managers and supervisors are responsible for promptly addressing reports of disrespectful behavior and discrimination – including the managers and supervisors who filed this lawsuit," the Hennepin County statement reads. "County Administration took prompt action to investigate these claims once alerted, and worked diligently to address Sheriff Hutchinson’s conduct during a very challenging time with support from the County Board. The County will vigorously defend against these claims. The County remains committed to serving residents, including working with County leaders and staff in the Sheriff’s Office on their everyday operations to ensure justice and safety for all."
Hutchinson served one term as sheriff. He pleaded guilty to DWI after a violent high-speed crash while driving a county vehicle near Alexandria in 2021 while attending a statewide law enforcement conference. He later had his law enforcement license suspended in connection with the incident.
Hutchinson has not yet commented publicly about the suit.
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