News Summary
The Orange County supervisors have rejected a mediator-approved $2.5 million settlement for veteran investigator Jennifer Kearns, raising concerns about retaliation and wrongful discipline claims following her involvement in a high-profile rape case. Kearns is preparing for a jury trial as allegations of workplace harassment within the District Attorney’s Office come to light, highlighting systemic issues in handling such complaints.
Santa Ana, California
Orange County supervisors have rejected a mediator-approved $2.5 million settlement for veteran investigator Jennifer Kearns, igniting controversy surrounding her claims of retaliation and wrongful discipline tied to her involvement in a high-profile rape case. The decision comes as Kearns prepares for a scheduled jury trial on May 4, 2024, stemming from her lawsuit against the county, which she filed in 2021.
Kearns, who works for the District Attorney’s Office, alleges that County District Attorney Todd Spitzer retaliated against her after she raised concerns about how the rape case against Dr. Grant Robicheaux and Cerissa Riley was managed. This case, which gained considerable media attention, involved serious allegations that Robicheaux and Riley drugged and raped multiple women.
In her lawsuit, Kearns claims that following her whistleblowing actions, she was placed on six months of administrative leave. She argues that this action, along with other disciplinary measures, constitutes retaliation and wrongful termination. The county, however, disputed her allegations of whistleblower status and denied the claims of retaliatory actions when they rejected the settlement offer.
Kearns has faced significant scrutiny regarding her role in the Robicheaux and Riley case. She is accused of omitting important details from witness summaries, some of which had prior approval from the prosecutor. Her involvement in the case has been closely tied to substantial changes in the prosecution of Robicheaux and Riley, leading to intensified interests in the treatment of whistleblowers within the county’s law enforcement agencies.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of workplace harassment lawsuits directed toward the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Allegations include claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, and an overall culture of intimidation among staff. A former prosecutor, referred to as Jane Doe, has also filed a lawsuit against a supervisor in the DA’s office, alleging a hostile work environment.
The history of claims against the Orange County District Attorney’s Office is further evidenced by a recent award of $3 million in damages to Tracy Miller, a former high-ranking female prosecutor who alleged harassment and retaliation by Spitzer and others within the office.
These incidents raise serious questions regarding the handling of workplace misconduct and suggest systemic issues within the DA’s office related to how allegations against senior officials are treated. The ongoing litigation involving Kearns, alongside other claims of harassment and retaliation against current and former employees, indicates a precarious situation for the District Attorney’s Office.
The backdrop of Kearns’ case includes Spitzer’s previous criticisms of former District Attorney Tony Rackauckas for alleged delays in the Robicheaux investigation while he campaigned in the past election. After Spitzer took office, he recommended that charges against Robicheaux be dropped, although the court subsequently rejected this recommendation.
With a jury trial looming, the result of Kearns’ case could have implications not only for her but also for the future workplace culture within the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. As the lawsuit progresses, the practices and policies regarding employee treatment, whistleblower protections, and accountability structures may come under further scrutiny in the public eye.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Orange County, California
- Orange County Register
- Google Search: Orange County District Attorney Office harassment claims
- ABC7 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Harassment
- Daily Journal
- Google News: Orange County DA lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
