Fired Official Files State Claim For $1 Million

A former high-ranking state official fired for misusing public resources has filed a $1 million claim against the state.

In her claim, Sandi Swarthout said last year’s firing resulted from “a false and defamatory” whistleblower complaint. A lawsuit can be filed once the tort claim, which was filed April 4, has been on record for 60 days.

Swarthout was fired from her position as a deputy director of the state Department of Revenue after an audit sparked by a whistleblower complaint concluded she had used her secretary to carry out personal business, misused e-mail and submitted improper travel expenses for reimbursement.

She has denied all the allegations, except acknowledging using e-mail for personal messages, which was not illegal at the time.

At a minimum, Swarthout wants her job back in the department or a similar position in another agency, said her attorney, Jon Rosen of Seattle. He plans to send a letter to the state this week offering a way out of a lawsuit.

Assistant Attorney General Mike Tardif said the state maintains that Swarthout’s dismissal was based on an objective investigation by the state auditor’s office.