Lawsuit: It’s over
Complaint against Shook dismissed in federal court

By Melanie Davis
melanie@highcountrymedia.net

The civil suits brought by Paula Townsend, former chief deputy of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, against former sheriff Mark Shook and the county have been dismissed. The counterclaim made by Shook was also dismissed.

Townsend filed the civil suit, naming Shook and Watauga County, in July of 2006, for wrongful termination, claiming sexual harassment, gender discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment and disparate treatment. Shook later countersued, claiming defamation.

Attorney for the county Andrea Capua confirmed the dismissals, which are not yet in written form. Judge Howell of federal district court heard motions in a final pretrial hearing on Sept. 12. Howell verbally granted the motion for summary judgment, made by defense attorneys for Shook and Watauga County.

A summary judgment is based upon a motion by one of the parties that contends all necessary factual issues are settled or so one-sided they need not be tried. “A summary judgment is pretty powerful,” said Capua.

The details of the summary judgment will be outlined in the written ruling handed down from the judge.

Capua is expecting to receive the written ruling within the week.