Terminated. Axed. Booted. Discharged. Pink Slipped.

Does not matter how you phrase it, losing your job, is one the worse feelings ever. You feel helpless and worried. However, getting fired from a job wrongfully, leaves you feeling everything from outraged to hurt. Now, add a dose of outright vindictiveness and you have just described my situation. 

My story begins three years ago. I was walked out of my job at Healthcare and Family Services, an agency for the State of Illinois, on January 30, 2012. I will never forget the date, because it was my son's tenth birthday. Instead, I was the one given the present...a walk out the door. I wasn't allowed to collect my belongings, just walked out of the door. 

Thirty days after that date, I received my official termination papers. Wondering what happened?? Well, now, let me inform you. I began working for the State of Illinois in 2001, for The Department of Human Services. In 2010, I took a voluntary wage reduction, moved 200 miles away, and transferred to Healthcare and Family Services. While working at the Department of Human Services, I encountered a boss that made my job hard and made it obvious that she did not like me. I had to file a grievance against her for yelling at me at the top of her lungs and a complaint with the Bureau of Human Rights.So, when the opportunity came, I was on the first thing smoking. I was terminated from Healthcare and Family Services in 2012, due to an "investigation" that took place when I worked for Department of Human Services...wait for it....from the year 2008. That's right. Four years and a total  different agency later..I was terminated, fired, let go, canned!! And so, upon getting those official papers, my fight began. 

Now, when you are an employee with the State of Illinois, and you are facing discipline up to discharge, you are given two choices. The first choice is to go through the grievance procedure with your local union. You know, the organization that you paid all those dues to. However, a grievance can be thrown out and dismissed at the last level. I used to be a union steward, so I knew a thing or two.The second choice, was to go through the Illinois Civil Service Commission. Needless to say, I chose the later. For anyone that is unfamiliar with this process, why do let me explain. After I notified the Commission that I selected to go before them, I was given a notice. The notice informed me of three things: that my hearing was in three weeks, that I could hire an attorney, or I could defend myself. 

Of course, I wanted an attorney. I called several in the area. The absolute cheapest one, wanted $5000 upfront. Did I mention, that was the cheapest??? So, that left me...with me. But, that is where everything came to the light. Due to the fact that I had to represent myself, I was given the discovery. And what did I discover? Well, ALL of the allegations came from that former boss of mine. Not only that, but let's just say that she was less than honest, better yet, she outright lied. But worse, the investigator for the Office of Executive Inspector General's Office, failed to conduct a thorough investigation. He basically took her word for it, and they said all the allegations were "founded". 

In those three weeks, I prepared for my hearing. I gathered so much information, to show that the things that were said about were not true. Even using the State's own evidence to show that the things were not true. I spent money on official documents, anything that I could think of to prove my case. However, I was at an extreme disadvantage, because I did not have access to the information at Department of Human Services, because I no longer worked there. 

The day of the hearing, my nerves were in my stomach. But I knew I had bought my shield with me, my bible. Now let me explain how the hearing process goes. This is an ACTUAL court proceeding. I sat on one side of a table and sitting directly across from me, was TWO Assistant Attorney Generals and a Labor Relations Specialist. To my immediate right side was an Administrative Law Judge and a court reporter. I had no idea what I was walking into. I was not an attorney, I did not know legal jargon. The Judge and the Attorneys were familiar with each other. I had no idea how to present exhibits. But I refused to give in and give up. 

During the hearing, all the witnesses had trouble remembering things. The investigation had took place four years ago. Everything that transpired had taken place four years prior. "I do not recall" should have been the theme of the hearing. But, there is one thing that never changes, and that is the truth. And that is what I had on my side. I called witnesses and presented documentation that supported everything that I said. But. once again, I was not a lawyer, and the justice system does not care about the truth. As, I have discovered, its not about the truth at all, its about the Judge's opinion of you. You see, when I say that I had evidence to prove that I was lied on, I had actual evidence. 

Let me be specific. My former boss informed OEIG that I had approved SNAP (foodstamops) for my son's uncle. She stated that she verified that a person that came in the office and interviewed by me was the brother of my son's father. OEIG stated in their report that the "relationship was verified". Just one problem, my son's father is an only child. My son does not have an Uncle. So, did they verify that, again? Exactly. Reading the discovery I was able to identify the person, and with the help of Google Search and $45 I was able to order an official birth certificate, showing that the two were not brothers. Another example, my former boss informed OEIG that I had given a former classmate assistance that she was not qualified for. My former boss stated that because this person did not have Illinois vehicle insurance that she was not qualified for car repair expenses. However, policy specifically states that the person simply has to have or be able to get insurance. Furthermore, when questioned by myself, the investigator had no idea what high this person attended, and worse, had no idea what high I attended!! And this was a thorough investigation? 

In the end, I still ended up losing. The Judge stated in his hearing that the State did not prove their case entirely, but I was intelligent enough to manipulate the State. The termination stood. 

So, I hired an attorney and filed my appeal. I had to convince my attorney to take my case. On March 20, 2014 a Circuit Court Judge ruled in my favor. He even stated that, it seemed like my boss did not like me. The judge ordered the Commission to reverse the termination. I was given a 90 day suspension. Yayyyy...right??? Not quite. The State filed an objection, which was denied. Yayyy..right??? Nope! The State, then decided to file an appeal with the Illinois Appellate Court. Which is where we are now. My case has been pushed back at least three times, because they keep filing for extensions. So, hopefully, oral arguments will be presented in August of this year. 

My legal bill is through the roof. I currently owe $8600 and its steady growing. I am working three jobs, to cover the cost. I have set up a crowd funding page, through gogetfunding.com.

Vist: http://gogetfunding.com/the-truth-will-set-me-free/