Florida Firefighter Alleges Retaliatory Termination and Whistleblower Violation

A Florida firefighter who claims he was fired after reporting the misuse of COVID related funds, has filed suit alleging retaliation and whistleblower violations. Kevin Nelmes filed suit against the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District claiming that he was wrongfully terminated earlier this year.

Nelmes, a lieutenant with GNFRD, contends that a week after he reported concerns about the possible misuse of CARES Act funds to a supervisor, the department placed him under investigation. Quoting from the complaint:

• On or about April 14, 2021, the Plaintiff learned that the CARES Act monies received by the Defendant had not been used for the designated purpose and that there was money that was unaccounted for.
• Accordingly, shortly thereafter, the Plaintiff sent a signed, written complaint to the Defendant’s Deputy Chief attempting to stop the misappropriation of the CARES Act monies.
• However, the Defendant’s Deputy Chief did not investigate the Plaintiff’s complaint.
• Instead, just a week later after the Plaintiff’s signed, written complaint attempting to stop the Defendant’s misappropriation of CARES Act monies, the Defendant opened an internal affairs investigation against the Plaintiff, before ultimately terminating his employment.
• As a direct and proximate result of objecting to and filing a complaint regarding the Defendant’s violations of law, which included the Defendant fraudulently obtaining and retaining CARES Act monies, the Defendant subjected the Plaintiff to adverse employment action, to wit: his termination.

The complaint does not identify the allegations Nelmes faced, and that led to his termination. The suit contains two counts, a violation of the federal False Claims Act and a violation of Florida’s Public Whistleblower Act. Nelmes is seeking monetary damages as well as reinstatement.

Here is a copy of the complaint: