Brian Smothers was a peer-support specialist for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Mr. Smothers worked closely with those suffering from PTSD and realized that the DVA was handling cases in an unauthorized way. DVA was using unauthorized wait lists, which denied some veterans the mental health support that they needed and made it look like there was less of a need for mental health services. These mental health services are an incredibly important part of the DVA’s health commitment, and denying them service using unauthorized wait lists puts their lives at risk. Smothers recognized that this was wrong, and he blew the whistle on the operation by telling Congress. Marlton whistleblower lawyers state that whistleblowers are protected under federal law, but Smothers felt so pressured by his employer that he was forced to resign from his position shortly thereafter. He claims he was subject to retaliation, including unfair reassignment to an office with no social contact and no internet access, as well as targeted investigations.
After Smothers discussed his findings with Congress, DVA’s internal watchdog office opened an investigation, but Smothers believes he was pressured out of his job by inquiries into his personal actions, relocation, and pressure to admit wrongdoing. It is not uncommon for employees to face this kind of retaliatory action when they uncover an illegal or illicit action. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel is the federal agency that protects whistleblowers and it is currently investigating Smothers’ case.
Whistleblowing is a Necessity
External and internal investigations, retaliation, and at-work harassment are frequently experienced by whistleblowers at federal or state agencies. Being targeted for raising the flag on an illicit operation is counterproductive to the progress of employers and the customers they serve, but that does not mean that it does not happen. If you feel like you have been a victim of whistleblower retaliation in South Jersey, this is something that you should take seriously, and the attorneys at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. can help you defend your rights.
Marlton Whistleblower Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Represent Victims of Retaliation
The attorneys at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C.. have the experience necessary to protect your rights as a whistleblower at work. Cases of retaliation in South Jersey are not unheard of, and the Marlton whistleblower lawyers at our practice are ready to help you defend yourself if you choose to expose inappropriate or illegal behavior at your workplace.
Contact our Red Bank, New Jersey offices at 732-842-6500 or our Marlton, New Jersey offices at 856-985-9800 to discuss your case. You can also schedule a consultation online.