EAST ST. LOUIS – Former Fayetteville Treasurer Georgia Huelsman claims Village President Brian Funk fired her for reporting corruption that included suspicious purchases of ammunition, riot gear, and shotguns.
She filed a retaliation suit against Funk and the village in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
Her counsel Laura Craft-Schrick wrote, “Plaintiff had reasonable cause to believe that she was disclosing a violation of a state or federal law, rule, or regulation.”
She claimed the village hired Huelsman in October 2021 to keep the books and act as treasurer.
She claimed that in 2022, Huelsman was directed to sign a check for about $8,000 for ammunition that the police chief ordered.
She claimed Huelsman suspected the purchase was excessive.
Craft-Schrick alleged that based on experience, Huelsman had reasonable cause to believe the purchase might constitute improper or fraudulent activity.
She claimed Huelsman had worked on audits with the U.S. Justice Department on various occasions as a federal government employee in accounting and payments.
Huelsman allegedly questioned Village Clerk Mindy Foutch, who said the purchase was made on behalf of Funk, his mother Alma Funk, and another individual.
Alma Funk is a trustee on the Village Board.
Craft-Schrick claimed Foutch said those three paid the police chief and the chief deposited the money into an account for his business, Sod Father’s Lawn and Outdoor Service.
She claimed Foutch said a donation was then made in the business name back to Fayetteville.
Huelsman allegedly reported other transactions to Foutch, including large purchases of riot gear and firearms that she discovered.
Craft-Schrick claimed Huelsman found purchases of two shotguns tied to an anonymous cash donation.
She also claimed Huelsman found suspicious timecard and payroll entries for a part time officer.
She added that Huelsman found other suspicious or questionable transactions.
Huelsman allegedly couldn’t find receipts for a credit card that police were to use solely for gasoline purchases.
Craft-Schrick claimed Huelsman provided the board with reports showing outstanding loans, rapidly decreasing bank balances, and a $116,000 loss for fiscal year 2021.
She claimed Alma Funk approached Huelsman afterward, screamed at her, and admonished Huelsman about biting the hand that fed her.
“Plaintiff reported this incident to Brian Funk,” she wrote.
Craft-Schrick claimed Huelsman informed Village Auditor Keith Brinkmann about suspicious purchases, and he expressed concern.
Huelsman allegedly performed bank reconciliations that uncovered payroll taxes not being paid on time and wages not being reported to the state employment security department.
“Plaintiff reported these issues to Foutch, who became visibly upset,” she wrote.
Craft-Schrick claimed Huelsman contacted a public corruption task force, the state comptroller, and the ethics division of Illinois Municipal League.
Huelsman also allegedly sent a complaint to the state training and standards board.
Craft-Schrick claimed Huelsman received a $2 hourly raise last July.
She added that Funk then walked into Huelsman’s office last July 27, handed her a notice, and informed her that her employment was terminated.
The notice allegedly stated Huelsman was insubordinate and failed to fulfill her duties.
“Plaintiff had never been involved in any act of insubordination during her employment with the Defendant Fayetteville, nor had she been counseled, warned, disciplined, or otherwise accused of any act of insubordination or of any failure to fulfill her job duties,” she wrote.
“Upon information and belief, Plaintiff’s termination was not approved or voted on by the board but was announced as a decision by Funk,” she added.
Craft-Schrick claimed one or more board members contacted Huelsman and informed her she was terminated because she knew too much and wasn’t afraid to speak out.
She claimed insubordination was a pretext for retaliation.
Huelsman sought reinstatement with seniority, back pay with interest, recovery of benefits, and other relief the court deems proper.
Mark Schuver entered an appearance for Huelsman in association with Craft-Schrick.
They practice at Mathis, Marifian, and Richter in Belleville.
The court clerk randomly assigned Magistrate Judge Gilbert Sison.