@AGJimHood: State agencies can’t keep legal settlements secret

Mississippi AG: Legal settlements can’t be kept secret

Attorney General Jim Hood says Mississippi government agencies can’t keep legal settlements secret, but leaders of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics say their hands are tied by a federal judge’s order.

The bureau in June settled a federal lawsuit brought by employee Mary Katherine Sullivan alleging deputy director Mike Perkins and others sexually harassed her, creating a hostile work environment….

…Bureau Director Sam Owens said Wednesday that U.S. Magistrate Judge John Roper ordered parties to keep the agreement confidential, saying he can’t overrule a federal judge.

Clarion Ledger
8/10/16