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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Former Alton credit union supervisor claims Whistle Blower Act violated

Falb

The former supervisor of an Alton credit union claims the president of the company wrongly accused her of stealing $2,000 from the credit union, causing her to lose her job.

Donna Alderson filed a lawsuit Aug. 27 in Madison County Circuit Court against LaClede Community Credit Union and Paul Smith.

In her complaint, Alderson claims LaClede's former President Paul Smith attempted to convince Alderson into signing documents admitting that $2,000 went missing under her supervision and that if another incident occurred, she would be fired.

However, Alderson refused to sign the documents, according to the complaint.

"That plaintiff believed Paul Smith was the one responsible for the missing money," the suit states. "That plaintiff refused to go along with the above-minded activity which would be, in essence, aiding and abetting Paul Smith in his illegally taking money from the credit union."

Before his termination, Smith was able to reprimand Alderson and to eventually fire her, the complaint says.

Alderson claims that Smith was later fired for allegedly stealing the money.

Alderson alleges Smith violated the Whistle Blower Act, intentionally inflicted emotional distress on her and defamed her. She also blames LaClede for intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation.

In her five-count complaint, Alderson seeks compensatory damages of more than $250,000 and punitive damages of more than $250,000, plus costs and attorney's fees.

Thomas O. Falb of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-1361.

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