Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone

Tag Archives: revenge porn

Jury Awards Former Houston Firefighter $250k Over Nude Video

A Harris County jury has awarded a former Houston firefighter $250,000 in damages against her former captain for unlawfully sharing a nude video of her. Melinda Abbt filed suit against Captain John Chris Barrientes and the city, alleging sexual harassment and violation of a Texas law titled “Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material.”

Baltimore County Fire Accused of Failing to Promptly Investigate Harassment Allegations

The US Attorney’s Office has announced it has both filed suit against the Baltimore County Fire Department for sexual harassment, and simultaneously settled the suit through a pre-arranged settlement agreement. The suit filed today alleges BCFD mishandled an investigation into the sharing of inappropriate photos of female firefighters.

Las Vegas Revenge Porn Suit Settled for $280k

The City Council of Las Vegas voted today to approve the settlement of a lawsuit brought by a female firefighter who was at the center of a controversy surrounding a sexually explicit video. The firefighter, identified as Jane Doe, claims a former boyfriend who was a firefighter in Henderson, improperly shared an intimate video of her after their relationship ended.

Federal Court Refuses To Allow Revenge Porn Victim To Remain Anonymous

The US District Court for the District of Nevada handed down a ruling this week denying the request of the female firefighter at the center of a revenge porn scandal in the Las Vegas Fire Department, to proceed anonymously. The firefighter, who up to this point has been referred to as Jane Doe, filed suit in March alleging sexual harassment.

Revenge Porn Leads to Sexual Harassment Allegations in Las Vegas Fire

An attorney for a Las Vegas firefighter has put the department and union leadership on notice that a lawsuit may be coming in regards to sexual harassment allegations involving revenge porn. Attorney Jenny Foley told Channel 13 News that Fire Chief William McDonald, IAFF Local 1285 President Eric Littman and others have been instructed to take steps to preserve any evidence currently in their possession related to the case.

Texas Firefighter Sues For Suspension Related Damages

A Texas firefighter who was indicted by a grand jury on charges that he posted a sex video online in his ex-girlfriend’s name is now suing his fire chief for suspending him without pay while the case played itself out.

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.

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