Government TORT Claim Filed Against Copperopolis Fire Protection District

The Copper Gazette, through a Public Records Act Request, has obtained a copy of a Government TORT Claim filed against 'Copperopolis Fire Protection District, Copperopolis Fire Protection District Board of Directors, and DOES 1 through 25, inclusive.'

This claim has been filed by Bryan Santos; he is represented by Rose Law Firm out of Folsom.

The claim states:

“2. This claim arises from Mr. Santos’ employment as an Engineer Paramedic with the Copperopolis Fire Protection District, and is based on violations of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) including disability and age discrimination (disparate treatment), hostile work environment sexual harassment, failure to prevent discrimination, retaliation and failure to prevent retaliation, violations of the Firefighters Bill of Rights Act (gov. Code ᵷᵷ3259 et seq.), violations of the Ralph M. Brown Act, (Gov. Code ᵷᵷ54957 et. Seq.), the unlawful termination of Claimant on or about December 31, 2010, intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and a continuing course of conduct in the area of Copperopolis, Calaveras County, California”……..

“4. The injuries sustained by Claimants, as far as known, as of the date of presentation of this Claim, consist of lost wages, lost benefits, civil penalties, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, other special damages, and general damages, all according to proof and in excess of $25,000.00.”

No Board members were available for comment. Chief Keith Cantrell stated, “The claim has not been referred to the Board for action” at this time. Stating it was a personnel issue and that the “District vigorously disputes the allegations.” Mr. Santos was unavailable for comment at the time of this writing.

Update: As of 4:00 pm on 3-9-11 Mr Santos has , "No comment."