A state librarian is suing a potential candidate for governor, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, in state court, alleging Nungesser fired her after she reported him to the FBI and Louisiana agencies for advancing “questionable contracts.”
According to a schedule provided by the East Baton Rouge Parish clerk of the court, librarian Rebeca Hamilton will seek a preliminary injunction or restraining restraining order against the lieutenant governor during a Jan. 12 hearing to prevent him from firing or disciplining her.
But Nungesser told the Louisiana Record he did not fire Hamilton. Instead, she was put on leave pending an investigation after about seven employees filed complaints with the human resources director against Hamilton, the lieutenant governor said.
“I was shocked because I considered Rebecca a friend,” Nungesser said. “We had a great working relationship.”
The lieutenant governor emphasized that Hamilton is appointed and hired and fired by the State Library of Louisiana Board of Commissioners and that he did not instruct anyone to do anything with regard to her employment status.
“I believe (the employees who filed complaints) are trying to get the library board to meet to bring the allegations to the board, and the board will decide if she’s permanently terminated,” Nungesser said.
Such allegations as this are usually politically motivated and may have originated with one of the candidates now running for governor, he said.
“Everyone was shocked she made these allegations about contracts,” Nungesser said. “I have no idea what she’s talking about.”
The lieutenant governor said he will make a formal decision about whether he will run for governor by next week. Nungesser said he will also be fighting Hamilton’s allegations in court and expects the lawsuit to be dismissed for lack of grounds.
The Associated Press reported the lawsuit alleges that the lieutenant governor removed her from her position in retaliation for her reporting Nungesser to the Louisiana legislative auditor, state inspector general and the FBI for supporting public contracts she found questionable.