Court Turns Down Firing Appeal

Athens County (Ohio) has reached the end of its appeals of a arbitrator’s decision to reinstate dispatcher Warren Ferguson, who was fired in Nov. 2005 for sexual harassment and being under the influence of drugs. The Ohio Supreme Court has turned down the county’s appeal of two earlier court rulings that upheld the arbitrator’s decision that the county must reinstate Ferguson. The arbitrator ruled that Ferguson was a “troubled employee” who qualified for special treatment under the law. Ferguson presented evidence that he was under emotion and physical stress, and was taking medications that caused his behavior. Without any appeals left, it’s not clear what action the county will take. Officials have vowed not to re-hire Ferguson.