Pubdate: Thu, 05 Apr 2001
Source: Galveston County Daily News (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Galveston Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.galvnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/164
Author: Carter Thomposon

EX-SECRETARY FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST CITY

GALVESTON - A former executive assistant to five chiefs of police is 
taking the city to court.

Gracie Espinosa was fired last year after her brother, Frank 
Espinosa, was arrested on federal drug charges. Former police Chief 
Kim O. Schoolcraft in her letter of dismissal cited the appearance of 
impropriety and the sensitivity of materials that pass through the 
chief's office.

"She was not a player in one bit of it," said Mark Midani, Espinosa's attorney.

Press accounts of the arrest and Espinosa's placement on 
administrative leave undermined her standing in the community and 
made finding another job difficult, according to the petition.

The lawsuit claims the city's statements in those press accounts were 
false and slanderous.

Espinosa is seeking unspecified damages for her loss of income and 
benefits. She also demands an appeal hearing before a committee with 
at least one impartial member. The city administration previously 
upheld her termination.

Carla Cotropia, who represents the city in the case, could not be 
reached for comment.

Frank Espinosa was arrested in Galveston on May 31. He pleaded guilty 
to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five 
kilograms of cocaine. He is awaiting sentencing.
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe