A Los Angeles County jury awarded prosecutor Shawn Randolph $1.5 million in a retaliation lawsuit against George Soros-backed Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón.
Randolph, who headed the juvenile division, claimed Gascòn assigned her to the parole division because she pushed back against his progressive and lenient policies, especially not trying juveniles as adults no matter the circumstance.
The Los Angeles Times reported:
Randolph’s legal team, led by civil attorneys Greg Smith and Beth Corriea, argued that she believed Gascón’s policies violated laws pertaining to victims’ rights and that limitations on the types of felonies prosecutors could file against teens would lead them to bring charges that did not accurately represent the alleged conduct of certain defendants.“We have a 30-year veteran complaining that there are ethical violations and Marsy’s Law violations, and you have an administration that wants their policies followed no matter what,” Smith said during his opening statement.—“I’m grateful to have a forum where what’s happening in the district attorney’s office can be heard in a fair manner,” Randolph said outside the courtroom, describing Gascón’s conduct as an “epic failure” in leadership.
Gascón’s attorneys argued moving Randolph to the parole division was not a demotion, nor did she receive a pay cut. Her job change “was part of a broad reshuffling of the district attorney’s office that took place early in Gascón’s tenure.”
The attorneys also claimed Randolph’s argument against Gascón’s policies was inaccurate. However, Gascón has changed his stance, especially after the Jacob “Hannah” Tubbs fiasco.
The Randolph case is not a good sign for Gascón because other prosecutors claimed retaliation:
The verdict does not bode well for Gascón, who testified at the two-week trial and faces similar lawsuits from prosecutors who say they were reassigned or passed up for promotions after speaking out against his progressive policies. A number of people suing Gascón, including Victoria Adams, his former chief of staff, and Deputy Dist. Atty. Maria Ramirez, testified against him at Randolph’s trial.Ramirez is the first of what is expected to be a raft of challengers from inside the office who will attempt to unseat Gascón if he seeks reelection next year.Eric Siddall — vice president of the union representing rank-and-file prosecutors, which has frequently sparred with Gascón — said there were as many as 16 other civil suits pending against the district attorney.“This is what happens when you put politics and ego ahead of public safety. Today, jurors figured it out,” Siddall tweeted. “It’s only a matter of time before the County’s registered voters do too … if they haven’t already.”
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