Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyersis representing a client, R. Higbie, a veteran of the Diplomatic Security Services. Higbie spent his entire career protecting diplomats and is now facing a civil lawsuit, spurred by these same dignitaries.
A Case of Harassment
It began when Higbie first learned the news that his daughter was suffering from a rare genetic disorder. The State Department suggested that he quit his job, under the belief that his daughter’s illness would detract from his ability to perform his job duties. The client filed a discriminatory lawsuit against the department, citing violations of the Disabilities Act as well as the Rehabilitation Act. The case settled in 2005.
Confronting the Facts
Three years later, the harassment began again, this time with officials working under then-Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham Clinton. Higbie filed another lawsuit in 2011.Higbie is appealing his case to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Currently, the State Department is attempting to recover legal fees against him for the expenses incurred due to his appeal.
Additional facts about this case:
- Other State Department and Diplomatic Security Service employees have come forward with complaints of harassment from superiors.
- The State Department placed on a lien on Higbie’s father’s home to try to compensate for the legal fees. Both men share the same first name. The date of birth and social security number on the paperwork belonged to the junior Higbie.
- A former Diplomatic Security agent, A. Fedenisn, stated she had been investigating several allegations of misbehavior by security officials. There may be a reason to believe that her officials interfered with her discoveries, and watered down the information.
- There may be further reports that officials stationed overseas may have solicited prostitutes, some of whom may have been minors.
Higbie’s case may expose a monster of a case—one that has evolved from an employer discrimination and harassment suit to expose possible evidence that may unveil misconduct and dishonesty within the State Department and other U.S. government agencies.
Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers is committed to delivering justice for all. With a fearless approach to litigation and sharp, innovative litigation strategies, our Dallas attorneys are prepared to take on any case.
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