Community College Whistleblowers Get $400,000

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Two former Frederick Community College employees who alleged that they were fired for revealing financial mismanagement and unethical actions at the school will receive $400,000 in a settlement of their whistleblower claims.

Former purchasing director Robert Gill will receive $225,000, according to settlement details obtained by the Frederick News Post through a public records request. Former budget director Jerry Garbinski, will receive $175,000.

Gill and Garbinski filed a lawsuit in 2013 claiming they were improperly fired, and that former FCC President Doug Browning and former administrator Donald Francis were angry at the two for cooperating with an investigation.

The lawsuit claimed among other things that Browning asked Garbinski to manipulate the college budget to increase employee health care premiums, intending to use the money for a construction project.