NOTE: This lawsuit was dismissed in January 2024. For further information, click HERE.
A former employee of the St. Johns County Clerk of Circuit Court has filed suit against her former employer claiming that her termination was unlawful. She is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, reinstatement and compensation for lost wages and benefits, among other things.
Nilsa Arissa had worked in the Clerk’s office from Aug. 17, 2020, until her termination on March 2, 2023, according to the civil complaint filed Aug. 25 in the Circuit Court, Seventh Judicial Circuit. At the time of her termination, she served in the role of inspector general.
In the complaint, Arissa alleges that she was terminated as retaliation for refusing to disclose the identity of another employee who spoke to her about an issue within the office.
Florida Statutes do grant confidentiality for information given to an agency inspector general except where disclosure is found to be “absolutely necessary” under specific conditions.
According to the complaint, Arissa was given several reasons for her termination, which she claims were “false and pretextual.” She is seeking a jury trial.
In response to a request for comment, the Clerk’s office issued the following statement:
“The St. Johns County Clerk of the Courts and Comptroller’s Office will vigorously defend against the allegations of unlawful conduct claimed by former Inspector General Arissa. Her employment was terminated after our office lost confidence in her following a number of performance incidents. The clerk’s office looks forward to the conclusion of this matter and will continue to focus on operating at the highest standards of transparency and integrity.”
