In a disturbing revelation underscoring the ever-present accountability and transparency issues within the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), a former employee has filed a federal lawsuit alleging sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation by the department’s former spokesperson, Christopher Gautz.
Paul Egan of the Detroit Free Press, as well as The Metro Times broke the story on May 5, demonstrating the issues with DOC and the state’s lack of protections for whistleblowers.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The plaintiff, Lisa Gass, states that Gautz, who served as MDOC’s Director of Media Relations, coerced her into unwanted sexual acts on multiple occasions. According to the lawsuit, Gautz sent Gass explicit videos, including one depicting a female MDOC employee performing oral sex on him, accompanied by the message, “my secretary trying to keep her job.”
The complaint further alleges that Gautz manipulated Gass into sexual encounters by implying that her job security depended on compliance with his demands.
Heidi Washington Allegedly Engaged in Retaliation
When Gass reported the misconduct, the department’s response was allegedly inadequate. Instead of investigating Gautz, MDOC initiated an investigation into Gass herself. Gautz was permitted to resign quietly without facing disciplinary action. MDOC Director Heidi Washington is also named in the lawsuit, accused of retaliating against Gass for coming forward.
Attorneys representing Gass, Jon Marko and Zach Runyan, contend that this case reflects a broader pattern of systemic abuse within MDOC.
They argue that the department has a history of silencing victims and failing to hold perpetrators accountable, which is absolutely correct, considering the blind eye that is turned to Correctional Officer Misconduct.
In response, MDOC issued a statement denying the claims of retaliation and asserting a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment. The department stated that upon learning of Gautz’s relationship with Gass, it took immediate steps to protect the employee and began an investigation.
…Except Gautz resigned while on leave and well before the investigation concluded.
A Call for Accountability
This lawsuit raises even more concerns about the culture within MDOC. It further highlights the need for independent oversight and accountability, and Michigan DOC is one of the only governmental entities that is not subject to oversight.
If we can’t trust officials to be professionals to each other, how can they be entrusted with custody of our loved ones?
