Facts

Grover Merritt was a deputy district attorney for the County of San Bernardino for 19 years prior to being fired in 2004. After an arbitrator determined that Merritt was unjustly terminated, he was reinstated. However, in an effort to clear his name, Merritt filed a lawsuit against the county, alleging wrongful termination. He also sought to be reinstated to his former position as head of the appellate unit.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff claimed that District Attorney Mike Ramos terminated him without cause because he believed the plaintiff would challenge him in the upcoming election. In addition, the plaintiff claimed that he did not leak information to the press with respect to a death penalty case as the defendant alleged. An investigation into the leak was not properly conducted. The plaintiff also denied having acted unethically at any time in his official position.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant Ramos denied that his motive for firing the plaintiff was fear that the plaintiff would challenge him in the next election.

Result

$300,000 settlement. Terms of the settlement provided that neither party admit wrongdoing.