Hennepin County pays 1.6M to settle ex-prosecutors lawsuit against Mike Freeman, Mary Moriarty

Hennepin County agreed to a $1. 6 million settlement with former prosecutor Amy Sweasy in her whistleblower lawsuit, which alleged retaliation for her objections to the prosecution of police officers linked to George Floyd's death. The settlement, finalized just before a jury trial, marks the largest employment settlement in the county's history. Judge Laurie Miller, overseeing the case, remarked on the trial's potential awkwardness and public scrutiny of the County Attorney’s Office. Sweasy's attorney commended her bravery in challenging influential figures, despite acknowledging that the settlement could not fully repair the damage done to her career.

Hennepin County officials maintained their denial of liability, stating the decision aimed to prevent the costs and emotional stress of a trial that could "retraumatize our community. " The settlement details include $850,000 for non-wage damages, $50,000 for wage loss, and $700,000 in attorney fees. Hearings leading to the settlement revealed that several high-ranking officials could have been called as witnesses. Sweasy characterized her lawsuit as a necessary step towards accountability for unlawful retaliation and discrimination within a respected workplace.