Former CFD arson investigator wins civil suit against city

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A jury reached a verdict Thursday in a civil lawsuit against the city of Charlotte involving a former Charlotte Fire Department employee.

The jury ruled in favor of Crystal Eschert, saying that her safety concerns were a motivating factor in her firing. They said the city retaliated against her for her complaints.

(Eschert talks about the jury's decision. Click PLAY)

Channel 9 has followed the battle between Eschert and the city for years.

Eschert, a former arson investigator, sued the city because she believes that she was fired after raising concerns about unsafe conditions at the new CFD building on North Graham Street. The city said she was fired because of inappropriate Facebook posts on her personal page.

Eschert said it has been a long road.

"It's definitely been hard," Eschert said. "It's been a process. I appreciate everyone's time, we had a great team and I appreciate the jury's time as well and their ability to really look into the information that was provided and make the best decision they felt was appropriate."

Eschert told news anchor Allison Latos after the jury’s ruling that she feels vindicated.

“It just gave me confirmation that I did the right thing,” Eschert said.

Eschert's attorney Meg Maloney said the jury's verdict to award nearly $1.5 million should be a wake-up call.

“We had two civil rights leaders from the African-American community testify on Crystal's behalf, and I think they made quite an impression,” Maloney said.

In court, city attorneys raised concerns about the jury's calculations and if Eschert should be awarded that much.

The legal battle isn't over and Eschert said that despite her win, she still worries other employees won't have the courage to speak up.

“Do you worry other employees could be retaliated against?” Latos asked Eschert.

“I do, unless there's change,” Eschert said.

But after the verdicts were announced, attorneys for the city raised legal questions in court that put the award on hold.

The jury’s verdict on the remaining issues will not be final until after the judge rules on two legal issues. His decision on those legal issues could result in the verdict being thrown out in favor of the city.

If the jury’s verdict stands, lawyers for the city and the judge said in court that there could be a problem with the money damages awarded. The actual amount awarded, if any, could be much less.

Charlotte city attorney Bob Hagemann released this statement on the case:

"A judgment has not been entered as there are a number of legal rulings that still must be made. Since the trial is not over, it would be inappropriate for the City to comment at this time."

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: