Former Loudon County Clerk's Office employee withdraws lawsuit

Hugh G. Willett knoxnews.com

The former Loudon County Clerk’s Office employee who filed a lawsuit against Clerk Darlene Russell over wrongful dismissal has withdrawn the lawsuit, according to the county mayor’s office.

Former employee Christy Russell, who is not related to the clerk, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Knoxville in July 2014, alleging she was fired after witnessing violations of state and county policy during her seven years with the clerk’s office.

The violations included acceptance of gifts, a ban on interracial marriage and violations of vehicle registration policies, according to the lawsuit.

Christy Russell also claimed that Darlene Russell engaged in campaign activities during work hours and fired her after she supported another candidate in the 2014 primary.

An April grand jury report said investigations by the state Comptroller’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Department of Revenue have found no evidence of improper conduct by Darlene Russell.

Knoxville attorney, Katherine Young, representing Christy Russell, confirmed that the suit was withdrawn but said she could not comment further.