The Shasta County Board of Supervisors voted in closed session on Tuesday to hire outside counsel to defend against a newly filed lawsuit brought by former Sheriff Eric Magrini. He was appointed Sheriff after the early retirement of Tom Bosenko. After scathing assessments by the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the Sheriff’s Administrative Association in 2021, Magrini stepped down and was given the newly created position of Assistant County Executive Officer, with a significant boost in salary. The suit says he faced frequent harassment, especially from Supervisor Kevin Crye, and that much of the unpopular opinion of him came from his obligation to enforce Covid regulations. He says he was accused of being a traitor to the Republican Party, but refused to break the law. Magrini says his wife was stalked at work and his granddaughter was harassed at school. He says Crye created a “toxic and terrifying work environment” and made it clear to him that he and his family would face continuing retaliation. In March of 2023 Magrini took a medical leave due to stressful working conditions. During his paid leave he worked as a realtor and concealed weapons instructor. In August of last year he was fired. He says he cannot find another government job due to the county’s smear campaign against him. Magrini is seeking compensation for lost wages, attorney fees and court costs, as well as damages for emotional distress, anxiety and humiliation. Former Sheriff’s Captain Pat Kropholler, who had a number of conflicts with Magrini, filed a retaliation and age discrimination suit against the county in 2022, and in January of this year he was awarded a $2.65 Million settlement.
-Steve Gibson