By Joe Pinchot
The Herald
PITTSBURGH — A former Mercer County Jail guard who sued the county over her firing has decided not to pursue the action.
County attorney Brian P. Gabriel said there was no settlement with Maranda Addison of Mercer and no money changed hands. According to the judge’s order filed Jan. 27, each side is responsible for its own costs.
A telephone message left for Addison’s attorney was not returned.
Addison, a former part-timer, filed the federal suit in August saying she had been fired Aug. 19, 2013, for allegedly failing to report suspected criminal activity.
Warden Erna Craig held a Loudermill hearing, but did not inform Addison of the hearing beforehand, robbing her of the opportunity to consult with a lawyer and have the lawyer attend the hearing.
A Loudermill hearing refers to a U.S. Supreme Court case in which it was determined that a public employee must be notified of charges against him or her and be allowed to respond to them before being fired.
The county responded Addison was not entitled to a Loudermill hearing because she was an at-will employee. County officials also argued she had no right to an attorney at the hearing and that the hearing was informal.
“The county’s viewpoint was that the case had no merit,” Gabriel said. “We’re pleased this wrapped up without anymore expenses and time.”
The suit also named Craig and the Mercer County Prison Board.