Former Walton city employee and contractor claim 'whistleblower retaliation' in lawsuit

Two women, a former city employee, and the other separate contractor hired by the city are suing the City of Walton, the city clerk, and former Mayor Gabe Brown for what they claim is "whistleblower retaliation."

Cindy Kirtley and Tiechia Miles are cousins. The two say they faced abuse and harassment after Kirtley, a former assistant city clerk for the City of Walton reported financial fraud by her supervisor, City Clerk Gevana Heeger Hicks, and former mayor Gabe Brown. Kirtley claims she faced unwarranted discipline and was eventually fired in July 2023 for speaking out.