Marion County fair board in legal fight with former executive director – Indianapolis Business Journal

The Marion County Agricultural Truthful Affiliation Inc.—a board that oversees the Marion County Fairgrounds & Occasion Heart in Indianapolis—is locked in an ongoing authorized feud with its former government director.

The dispute started this summer season when the board sued former Government Director Jeremiah Tevebaugh in Marion Superior Court docket for failing to evacuate truthful property following his termination. The go well with accuses him of trespassing, conversion of property and interference with fairground operations. 

A counterclaim from Tevebaugh accuses the truthful board of remaining complacent about sexual harassment accusations and taking part in unlawful political exercise—expenses the board denies.

The board is a personal not-for-profit that claims its mission is to create an gratifying, secure, year-round multi-use facility on the Marion County Fairgrounds on the southeast facet of Indianapolis, in response to its web site.

Tevebaugh, who held the job of government director for 2 years, was ousted by the board on Aug. 23. His termination letter was signed by political commentator and potential mayoral candidate Abdul-Hakim Shabazz. Shabazz is listed as vice chairman of the board on the termination letter, however as president on the lawsuit and affiliated authorized paperwork.

Tevebaugh lived in a fairground residence at 7300 E. Troy Avenue. Upon his termination, he was given 30 days to go away the residence and was informed he was “not permitted to entry Fairgrounds’ property, buildings or premises” aside from the residence.

The go well with stated Tevebaugh continued to “enter and encroach” upon fairgrounds property past the residence, prompting a cease-and-desist demand and a movement for a restraining order.

Based on the go well with, Tevebaugh refused handy over keys and passcodes to fairgrounds property and accounts. The board stated Tevebaugh padlocked a heavy motor vehicle owned by the fairgrounds and adjusted entry credentials to an internet cost system utilized by the board.

Tevebaugh denied most of these accusations in court docket filings, however informed IBJ he had withheld the keys and passwords as a result of he believed the truthful board would destroy proof of wrongdoing.

Court docket paperwork say Tevebaugh vacated the residence in mid-October. He was ordered by a decide handy over passwords and keys on Oct. 17.

In a multifaceted counterclaim filed Oct. 13, Tevebaugh alleges that board chief Cindy Mowery made “romantic overtures” and “sexual advances” towards him, constituting sexual harassment. Mowery is listed as president of the board on the Marion County Fairgrounds web page whereas authorized filings within the case establish Shabazz as president.

Tevebaugh’s counterclaim stated Mowery commented about “Tevebaugh’s genitalia and downloaded shirtless footage from Tevebaugh’s Fb account, which she then commented on and shared with board members.”

On Might 10, Tevebaugh stated he met with Shabazz and board legal professional John Sturgill to make them conscious that Mowery was sexually harrassing him, in response to the paperwork. The 2 events stated there was no approach they may take motion since Mowery was a board member, not an worker, Tevebaugh’s counterclaim states.

After the dialogue, Tevebaugh says in court docket paperwork that Mowery continued to make “unwelcome advances,” together with “invites to fulfill at her home, swim in her pool, and be a part of her in a shower.” Mowery additionally invited him on a trip to Seattle and requested he put on garments she’d bought, the go well with alleges.

Mowery didn’t reply to an IBJ request for remark.

On the similar time, Tevebaugh stated he turned involved that the truthful board was taking part in unlawful political exercise by utilizing cash it obtained from town earmarked for fairgrounds upkeep to pay candidates and companies intently related to candidates for providers.

The candidates have been paid “exorbitantly, in impact making marketing campaign contributions to them,” the counterclaim states. The board is ruled largely by Republicans.

The board denied all the above claims in an Oct. 27 response. Shabazz didn’t reply to a request for touch upon Tevebaugh’s claims.

Tevebaugh is arguing that the board terminated him for refusing to signal an affidavit that metropolis funds have been spent lawfully, and that the board is chargeable for Mowery’s acts, which inflicted emotional misery.

Jeffrey Scott McQuary, an legal professional representing Tevebaugh, informed IBJ that the case remains to be within the discovery part. It could possibly be an extended, sophisticated course of, he stated. 

Attorneys representing the truthful board will possible request a abstract judgment, McQuary stated. If it’s denied, the case will go to trial.