Judge reinstates former agent’s whistleblower case

By: Associated Press//December 21, 2015//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A judge has reinstated a former agent’s whistleblower case against the state Justice Department.

Dan Bethards sent an email in 2012 to DOJ Criminal Investigation Division Administrator Dave Matthews and DOJ Human Resources Director Mary Casey alleging that his supervisor, Jay Smith, was selling guns without a federal license.

A federal investigation into Smith’s activities resulted in no charges and Bethards was fired. He alleged DOJ retaliated against him in violation of the state’s whistleblower protection law.

An administrative law judge dismissed the complaints a year ago. He said Bethards should have notified Matthews before Casey, who wasn’t in his chain of command.

Douglas County Judge George Glonek reinstated the case Thursday, saying Casey qualified as one of Bethards’ supervisors.

A DOJ spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to a message.

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