Grand Forks County (trfnews.i234.me) — The former jail administrator for Grand Forks County is taking legal action against the county, two commissioners, and the sheriff, claiming he was unjustly fired earlier this year.
According to a release issued by River Valley Law on Thursday, Nov. 20, former Grand Forks County Correctional Center Administrator Bret Burkholder alleges his termination was influenced in part by age discrimination. He also claims the firing violated the North Dakota Century Code, which protects employees who report suspected violations of law or policy to their employer, a government office, or law enforcement.
The release states Burkholder openly opposed a move supported by County Commissioners Mark Rustad and Terry Bjerke to consolidate the jail with the sheriff’s department. Burkholder reportedly believed the proposal created legal and contractual risks for the county. He argues that his objections played a role in his removal.
Burkholder says he was not given just cause or due process before being terminated. River Valley Law told TRF News the lawsuit was expected to be filed on Thursday, though it had not yet appeared in court records by late afternoon. The firm said all defendants had been served.
Rustad told TRF News he is not concerned about the lawsuit. He denied any age discrimination and said he was unaware of Burkholder’s age. Rustad said the sheriff, not the commission, decided to terminate Burkholder after the consolidation. Rustad noted the commission later voted on issues related to alleged misuse of state grant funding.
Grand Forks County State’s Attorney Haley Wamstad confirmed that after consolidation, the jail fell under the direct oversight of Sheriff Andy Schneider. She said the sheriff had the authority to make staffing decisions. At the time of the firing, Schneider said Burkholder was not the right fit for the new direction of jail administration.
The county now employs Captain Jodi Hilde in a second-in-command role. Records obtained by the TRF News show Hilde’s annual salary is $111,082. Burkholder’s former salary was $153,372. Sheriff Schneider’s salary also increased after taking responsibility for jail operations.
Rustad argued that consolidation was a cost-saving measure and said he stands by the decision. Schneider did not return calls in time for publication.
The release from River Valley Law says Burkholder served at the jail for nearly 20 years and was respected across county, state, and federal agencies. Burkholder said he chose to pursue legal action to defend his reputation.
Burkholder declined additional comment on advice from his attorney.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.