Matthew A Thompson vs. City of Chico et al

Case Background

On June 29, 2022, Plaintiff Matthew A Thompson filed a Wrongful Termination lawsuit in the California State, Butte County, Superior Court (Case number: 22CV01393). Judge Michael P Candela, Philip H Heithecker, Stephen E Benson, and Tamara L Mosbarger presided over the case.

Cause

Matthew Thompson worked as an engineer for the City of Chico for 32 years, from 1987 to 2019. He received promotions and favorable reviews throughout his tenure. In July 2019, Public Works Director Brendan Ottoboni instructed Thompson to draft a Notice of Intent to Discipline for his coworker Burgi. During Burgi's subsequent Skelly hearing, Thompson testified under oath that he did not believe the disciplinary notice was warranted. Shortly after his testimony, on August 7, 2019, Ottoboni began preparing documentation to terminate Thompson's employment. The City fired Thompson on August 9, 2019, citing "insubordination" and "incompetence" as reasons for the termination.

Injuries