SANDPOINT - A former Bonner County employee is seeking damages for wrongful termination.

Counsel for Priest River resident Mary Rife filed the tort claim in 1st District Court on April 21.

Coeur d'Alene attorney Douglas Pierce said Rife was injured on the job and began receiving worker's compensation benefits. Pierce said the county began improperly charging her with Family Medical Leave Act time off even though she was under the protection of worker's compensation.

"When the FMLA (time) allegedly ran out, they wrongfully terminated her employment," Pierce said in an email message.

Bonner County officials do not comment on pending tort claims.

Rife was a juvenile detention supervisor in the department of Justice Services, according to Cindy Binkerd, the county's director of human resources. Her hourly wage was $20.23.

The tort claim identifies Justice Services Director Debbie Stallcup as a witness. Binkerd and unnamed sheriff's office personnel are also identified as witnesses.

The claim, which serves as a notice of intent to sue if damages are not awarded, alleges personal injury, pain and suffering, emotional distress. It also seeks damages for lost wages.

The amount of damages being sought is unspecified, although the sum exceeds the $10,000 threshold necessary to file suit in district court.