c+g4]AjC`D93P=%OEY&TJ?2m;_e[F(Q\yv|.hxysU-nu#oRmX&{;=e|h=*)X+eZR~,-Erh? So, the bad guys got away; not because they were clever criminal masterminds, but because of the corruption and incompetence of SD DCI Law Enforcement. It boggles my mind that adult males would behave that way. Q She says shereceived positive performance reviews through mid-2011, when she says her mid-year evaluation praised her for her exceptional work product, ability to work amicably with other DCI agents and members of her task force, relentless work, and above-average case activity.. I say so here and now. /MediaBox [ 0 0 612 792] I hope Zylstra Kaiser rips them to shreds. The court of public opinion is different than court of law. Kaiser received positive reviews throughout her career. Almost immediately, he began making sexually explicit comments to Plaintiff, revealing personal information, and making her feel uncomfortable, including, but not limited to: Now the properworkplace response to such behavior is to take this behavior straight to the boss, whose response should be to drop the hammer on the harasser. Let the defendants defend themselves in a court of law. /Height 2192 Then in April 2012, DCI removed Kaisers state vehicle, told her she could no longer travel from Aberdeen to Pierre on state time, removed her daily stipend, and told her that she could no longer sleep at the police academy barracks in Pierre, where she slept during the week because her family could not afford a second home. 1 0 obj $.' PLEASE ATTACH THE Zylstra Kaiser says she went to work for the DCI Drug Task Force straight out law school in August 2003. WebSTATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA CLASS SPECIFICATION Class Title: DCI Special Agent Supervisor Class Code: 688805 Pay Grade: L7 _____ A. The jury found that Kaiser suffered retaliation and gender discrimination after she complained of sexual harassment by one of her colleagues in October 2011. /Subtype /Image MC has taken the typical male republican position here, doubt the womans credibility and worry about future of the men involved. I mostly agree with you Jenny. But i doubt it. You slime every other Republican male because MCs nave embracement of the establishment, in his bid to be named as Hickeys replacement? Clearly you must understand the difference between a court of law and the court of public opinion. This is one of those rare situations where the accused should be guilty until they prove themselves innocent. Thats hard to find in SD. Kaiser was on the drug task force in Aberdeen back in 2011, when she said a Brown County Sheriff's Deputy was appointed to the team and began sexually harassing her on a regular basis. We are South Dakota's premier criminal justice and criminal investigative agency. This lawsuit, wherever it leads, provides another window on the corruption that oozes from every crevice in state government, Benda, EB-5, the GEAR UP matter, and much other business the current regime in Pierre is involved in. That lack of cooperation from her co-workers led to job consequences for Zylstra Kaiser: On December 8, 2011, Assistant Director Dan Satterlee informed Plaintiff she met the WIPs requirements with one exception: she had not rebuilt positive relationships. It happens everyday all over this country, yet when republicans face heat they yell there is another side to this story (without telling it) or that the perp must be proven guilty. On November 4, 2011, Laura was in Pierre and aware of all of the state player (regarding her case and ours) that were present in Pierre as well. /ColorSpace /DeviceRGB Purpose: Conducts or assists with criminal 2 0 obj I have not only watched and observed her efforts these past 3 years but supported her every step of the way as well. /Filter /DCTDecode TFeJxXop(I#Z,k^Uv "A@'(''C6eRE .Qn4vL*2{i}SaeaXCYzoKmw7'}jgaL@gWan7T4('9|K,"-w^l. It will be difficult to defend Black and anyone who tries to use his words and actions as credible evidence. 4 0 obj Apply to Correctional Officer, Inventory Associate, Special Agent and more! I asked my friends if what they thought about the other table. WebCorey Dumdei, Special Agent E-mail: corey.dumdei@oig.hhs.gov. In the court of public opinion, the truth doesnt matter, only how it is spun. Meanwhile, Mark Black was in the Brown County DCI interrogation rooms going after the Mette children in a strategic attempt to get them to change their stories. There are just too many smart capable women in power. If all of this is true, then they deserve everything they have coming to them. The language of the settlement agreement states the following: The payment will be made by delivering the checks to Kaisers attorneys so that the checks are in their hands no sooner than May 21, 2018, but in no event later than June 8, 2018. Laura and I believe Black was given his marching orders on that day (November 4, 2011) to get rid of her case along with the Schwab Taliaferro case, partially supported by the following: During the November 4, 2011 off camera recording of Black and Ross Erickson, you can hear the following: Black: I have so much to lose. WebThe South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources believes in building, developing, and supporting a high-performing and healthy workforce. stream Although she successfully met eight of nine objectives, Plaintiff was involuntarily demoted from Special Agent III to Special Agent II, which resulted in a reduction in her pay. ", Former DCI agent receives $1.5 million settlement payment after months of delay, DEVELOPING: First responders on the scene at Husets Speedway after incident, Meteorologists Facebook post on grocery dividers sparks wild debate, Police: Two arrested in overnight burglary in Sioux Falls, 1 killed when business jet encounters severe turbulence, Frontier Climbing hosts first climbing competition in South Dakota, Washington Pavilion hosts free event to celebrate agriculture, Embe hosts FIRST LEGO League state championship, Fourth annual Womens Day of Service building hygiene kits. In the summer of 2011, Ross Erickson from the Brown County Sherriffs office joined the Drug Task Force and began making sexually harassing comments to Kaiser. Jackley said he played no part in Kaiser's settlement, but she said, she's not sure what to believe. I have personally met with supervisor Jason Even who demonstrated that he was a complete idiot who didnt know the first thing about law enforcement or criminal investigations. For She lost her dream job and her career because she stood up for what is right. The four men decided that Kaiser fabricated the sexual harassment allegations as test for Black and decided that they could no longer trust her and refused to work with her. WebBrett D Spencer worked as a Dci Special Agent III for the State of South Dakota and in 2020 had a reported pay of $35.02 and a pay frequency of hourly according to public records. The paperwork was signed and finalized by the Governors Office of Risk Management on Monday, May 21, 2018. 4 0 obj '!kcE!>{=C9Cv G4]mY01I&Em@6cR1d>!B u WebWhen Chief Agent Miller retired, Merle Melstad served as chief agent of the DCI for six months in 1955; he was followed in that post by Rol Kebach, who was to serve twenty Sad, really, we were the greatest country on earth, and we cant even get this right. This case and settlement was handled by the Governors Office of Risk Management and the States insurance company. There have been other situations where the woman will start conversation and steer in way to get a man to say something he normally wouldnt. Following a five-day trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota, a six-person jury returned a $1.2 million dollar verdict in favor of former South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation agent, Laura Zylstra-Kaiser. You cite a few anecdotes, and Im sure instances happen. Were anticipating special agent openings in all investigative areas across the state, so learn more about what it means to be a DCI Special Agent and how you can apply by visiting http://ow.ly/WcWn50Ii1XtSee more Box 127 Lake Andes, SD 57356 Telephone: 605-487-7645 Attorney for Plaintiff and Appellant ______________________ Robert B. Anderson May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson P.O. In October 2011, Zylstra talked with fellow female agent Jessica Page about Ericksons harassment, and Page took the same position: reporting Erickson would only lead to trouble. I told my attorneys, 'I didn't sue Marty Jackley and i'm not going to enter into a contract with Marty Jackley.'". x[ms6|nb 2I MT?xn^PX`W,W~sW=yUWYv]sl~n/.7gW\=FI,R'Q0g1?YyY0!UG%STK,g|QMiDY@1|0zycW~[+3_YxN1piT67$bZZ ? WebAbout us. endobj endobj You do not have to be silent and you should not be in fear of speaking up. endobj Special Agents et al, No. Kaiser went before reporters this afternoon to set the record straight, she said, because Attorney General Marty Jackley is accusing her and her lawyers, as well as Rep. Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota) of conspiring against him in his bid for governor. MC, how often do you talk with your male friends about the need to strengthen sex crimes laws, make sure all the rape kits get tested, put more money into child protection, really go after dead beat dads, etc? We believe the interrogations were live streamed to Pierre with someone feeding Black intimidating, confusing and attacking questions to ask the Mette children. /Length 8 0 R Eventually, she was The deck is so stacked against the accuser. FormerDivision of Criminal Investigation special agent Laura Zylstra Kaiser of Aberdeen is suingDCI chief Bryan Gortmaker and former DCI agent Mark Black for hindering her employment. endobj DCI said they didn't have it. Little wonder that the misanthropes on the public dole who infest the halls at DCI are thuggish, criminally insane, entitled white guys living under their own rules instead of under the law. e}YQYg we2)P93,g;'t}(~ POSTED. Jackley's office issued this statement about the delay of Kaiser's settlement on Tuesday: "The State of South Dakota confirms today that the State of South Dakota has finalized the Laura Zylstra Kaiser lawsuit. Sexual Harassment - Hostile Work Environment, Failure to Cancel Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), Force Placed Insurance - Flood & Homeowners, Predatory Lending/Unfair Mortgage Servicing, Former South Dakota DCI Agent Represented by Nichols Kaster receives $1.2 Million Jury Verdict after Suffering Retaliation and Discrimination, Loans, Financing, and Borrowers' Rights Overview, Civil Rights and Impact Litigation Overview, Plaintiffs Public Housing Claims Move Forward in Minneapolis, Inside Sales Representative Brings Overtime Case Against Brightwheel, Nichols Kaster, PLLP Awarded First Tier Ranking on The 2023 Best Law Firms List. I know thats not the law, but frankly, these kinds of situations make me so angry . View Background Report Sponsored Brett D Spencer 's Record in 2020 Name Brett D Spencer Location South Dakota Phone Ad View phone number Payroll Year 2020 Dont ever approach me again.. Both grievances were denied. 7 0 obj Kaiser said the DCI attorney met her in Redfield, at his request, to give her the two checks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. MC, a preponderance of evidence shows that kind of behavior is common place. When they speak, I will report. Kaiser said if Jackley wasn't involved, she's not sure why that mattered. Your email address will not be published. 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Kaiser was transferred to Pierre, demoted from Special Agent III to Special Agent II and moved to a less desirable position. This is so wrong and. Erickson acknowledged his comments were inappropriate, apologized, and said he would not make any such comments in the future [Complaint, 2015.09.23]. And I have met with Jessica Page, who despite appearing to sincerely want to help the crime victim, was completely incompetent. Dont be too hard on PP, he probably just doesnt know how to pull up the complaint. "My attorney made three attempts to contact the DCI attorney on different days -- no response. They got both in front of me., Erickson: Stick with me Ill take you to the promised land.. stream That seems to be SOP for the DCI for a while now. On information and belief, Black then called Supervisor Jason Even to report Plaintiffs complaints against Erickson and told Even he no longer wanted to work with Plaintiff because he could not trust her. Lastly, Lauras lawsuit is about sexual harassment, discrimination, intimidation and the retaliation that followed after she tried to report it. )/ endobj Imagine Marty Jackley complying with a federal judge to hand over DCI emails, people. Powers spins this story because Dan Kaiser is a constant burr under the establishment machines saddle, and because establishment crony Marty Jackley is running for governor. I once saw a group of about a dozen DCI agents called from all over the state to testify at a trial as they arrived and gathered in a courthouse lobby. It is easy to figure out, the men all have the same story so they must be right and the lady a lunatic out to ruin their careers. Preston Johnson, Special Agent E-mail: preston.johnson@oig.hhs.gov US Department of Health and Human Services, OIG . It looks to me like she will be the one that is really on trial. Clark is pounding sand into our assets. WebSTATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA CLASS SPECIFICATION Class Title: DCI Special Agent I Class Code: 688801 Pay Grade: L4 _____ A. Supervisor Jason Even took the mens side immediately, accused Zylstra Kaiser of fabricating the sexual harassment allegations against Erickson, and warned her that the issue could lead to her termination. D-D$3I20eV&,$~ n. I truly doubt it many other individuals would have endured what she has and kept on fighting to get to this point. %PDF-1.5 << Eventually, she was forced to resign in 2012. Our attorneys are zealous advocates committed to fighting for the justice our clients deserve. In December 2011, following the work improvement plan, DCI informed Kaiser that effective January 3, 2012, she would be demoted from Special Agent III to Special Agent II and transferred to the Medicare Fraud unit in Pierre, South Dakota, away from her husband, Dan, an Aberdeen police officer, and fourteen month old child. Skill and professionalism are just as important as the ability to connect on a personal level. Erickson later apologized, admitted the conduct, and said it would stop. Job ID: 18640 Location: Statewide Step 1: Complete In the 80 year history of DCI, Kaiser said she was just one of two women who were promoted to Special Agent III, the highest level in a non-supervisory role. Kaiser was represented by James Kaster, Matt Morgan and Lucas Kaster of Nichols Kaster, PLLP in Minneapolis. Hopefully Lauras story, and the jurys verdict, will play a small part in continuing the message that sexual harassment and retaliation cannot be condoned or allowed.. there are appealable issues, but he has final say.'". 609.5 0.0 0.0 789.1 1.3 1.4 cm That agreement along with forthcoming agreements included a non-disparagement clause, which forbid Kaiser from saying anything negative about the case, the people involved in the case or her former employer. . /Contents 5 0 R 0 replies 1 % With no other option, Kaiser resigned from DCI on May 8, 2012. Zylstra Kaiser now charges Gortmaker withreprisal discrimination and sex discrimination under the federal Civil Rights Act and the South Dakota Human RelationsAct. When she spoke about her guns, commenting to her that sounds hot; Petting her hair and, on one occasion, putting his arm around her and swaying; When Plaintiff asked for his keys, stating they were in his pocket and she should get them herself; After Plaintiff said her husband would be out of town that weekend, asking her: Should I come over Saturday around 6? and, Having her watch a lewd music video set in a police department [. Did you know the U of MN has a very active police force of their own to try and fight back all the horrible crimes that are occurring on that campus? POSTED ON 6/23/2022 AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/22/2022. For the record, I was never contacted or talked to by the AGs office about my criminal complaint and I also heard about the dismissal of my criminal complaint by the AG from news media. A memorial sign honoring their sacrifice was placed north of Spearfish on U.S. Highway 85. <> Her DCI supervisors accused her of failing at numerous job categories which just months earlier were graded as meets or exceeds expectations. Learn from the gay men. Lauras complaint will be heard in both South Dakota Federal and State court proceedings. My Mother first reported these crimes to agent Joshua Bobzein who was so horrible that I actually had to file a criminal complaint against Bobzein. 8 days ago. She was paid on Wednesday after several months of negotiations. Come on, people! Nor is it about what is happening at the University of Minnesota. By doing so, it has become clear that on November 4, 2011, Mark Black was given marching orders to get rid of a few individuals who were about the expose the state of wrong doing that would ultimately lead to major lawsuits against the State of SD. The total warrants served in 2011 were 401. The original settlement said Kaiser was to be paid by April 1 and no later than April 15. %PDF-1.5 The Court must still decide front pay, which is wage loss post-trial, and attorneys fees. But MC, I am inclined to think that the more to the story may well follow the lines that Shirley and David lay out for us. /Resources /BitsPerComponent 8 HB 1221: Free School Meals for Every Student in South Dakota! There might be more to the this story than what we see here.
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