Idaho Sheriff Being Sued in Federal Court for Sexual Discrimination

IDAHO FALLS (KTVB) -- An eastern Idaho sheriff is being sued in federal court by a former employee contending she faced sexual discrimination.

The Post Register reports that the lawsuit filed April 25 by Amanda Lee also contends that Jefferson County Sheriff Blair Olsen violated her free speech rights and whistleblower protections under the Idaho Public Employee Protection Act.

Lee is a former bookkeeper and driver's license supervisor in the sheriff's office.

The lawsuit contends that Olsen retaliated against her after she expressed concerns about what Lee saw as Olsen's misuse of public funds and unequal treatment of employees.

The lawsuit also names the sheriff's office, Jefferson County and the County Commission as defendants.

Lee is seeking damages of at least $10,000 for loss of earnings, emotional damages and punitive damages.