Lawsuit Against Eureka Fire Protection District Moved to Federal Court

A lawsuit against the , originally filed in 2008, was moved back to federal court June 13.

Richard Adams, who worked for the district from 1980 to 2006, filed the suit in federal court in 2008. The case moved to the St. Louis County Circuit Court in 2010.

The case was moved back to federal court because some allegations regard the federal Fair Labor Standards Act at the fire district's discretion.

Adams alleges the fire protection district board of directors, Chief Gregory Brown, Assistant Chief Donald Tomnitz and others conspired to have him charged with using a credit card to buy gasoline for his personal vehicle. He was then fired.

The suit states Brown and Tomnitz knew the charges were untrue, but encouraged charges to be filed anyway.

The action came shortly after Adams was injured on the job and filed a Workmen’s Compensation claim against the district. Adams returned to the district without restrictions.

Criminal charges against Adams were dismissed in 2008.

The suit also alleges the district’s officials illegally shared his and his family’s medical records with the .

The defense denies the allegations, and said any damages to Adams came as a result of his own negligence. It further states that the district has sovereign immunity from prosecution, and that the charges do not meet requirements for exceptions to immunity.

Adams seeks compensation for lost wages, punitive damages and other expenses.

Adams’ attorney, Michael Reid, said he and his client declined to comment on the case. Patch was unable to reach Brian Plegge, the attorney representing the Eureka Fire Protection District.