Ex-Sylvania official sues over firing, accusation

1/15/2005

Former Sylvania Township Administrator James Maxwell yesterday filed a lawsuit against current and former township officials and employees, claiming wrongful termination because of his age and that he was falsely accused in a police investigation.

Mr. Maxwell filed the complaint in Lucas County Common Pleas Court seeking more than $833,000 in lost pay, retirement benefits, sick leave, vacation, and other compensation he would have received had he not been fired in March, 2003.

Defendants include Trustees Dennis Boyle and James Schwerkoske; former Trustee Richard Moses; former police Chief Wayne Seely, and three police officers.

Mr. Maxwell, who is now 66, said he was replaced by a less qualified person who is about 20 years younger. The suit also claims the police department conducted an investigation in 2001 against Mr. Maxwell based on false allegations and under the direction of Mr. Moses.