(DUGGER) - A new Dugger Town Council moved Monday to fire Town Marshal David Heaton for alleged neglect of duty. But after threats of a lawsuit, they tabled the matter.
Heaton's attorney John Bodine warned the council if they voted to fire Heaton they were in violation of following state statues and he would file a lawsuit and would own the town. Bodine also accused two or more of the council members of meeting to discuss the firing and that also was in violation of the state's open meeting laws. A formal vote on hirings and firings must happen in an open, advertised public meeting.
Now the council will hold an executive meeting at 6 p.m. on January 18, followed by a public meeting in the community building at 7 p.m. Heaton's wife, Terri said the only reason her husband is being fired is because of bad blood between her husband and new Town Council President Dwight Nielsen. She said both men attended the Indiana Police Academy and Heaton passed and Neilsen didn't. Because of that, she says Nielsen is carrying a vendetta.
Nielsen declined to comment regarding what Heaton's neglect of duties were on the advise of the town attorney Doug Followell.
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