Watch CBS News

City Asks To Dismiss Shapiro Whistleblower Claim

By Brian Maass

DENVER (CBS4)- Denver's City Attorney is asking that a whistleblower appeal filed by Senior Assistant City Attorney Stuart Shapiro be dismissed. It's the latest salvo in the controversial and long running saga of Shapiro, who was placed on paid leave for nearly two years before being finally brought back to work.

The city put Shapiro on leave in July 2014 suggesting his conduct in the Jamal Hunter case might have been questionable. Shapiro represented the city attorney's office in that case, in which Hunter, a jail inmate, was eventually awarded $3.25 million for injuries he received while at the Denver city jail.

scott martinez
CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass interviews City Attorney Scott Martinez (credit: CBS)

The city ordered Shapiro to stay at home, doing no work from July 2014 until just after a CBS4 Investigation in February 2016 when he was ordered to begin working again, but from his home.

While on paid leave and doing no work for the city, Shapiro received two merit pay increases. In bringing him back to work, City Attorney Scott Martinez claimed they had no room at the office for Shapiro. Last month, Shapiro filed a whistleblower notice against the city.

In asking that action be dismissed, the city contends Shapiro hasn't suffered any tangible losses since he never lost any pay and his job status and seniority never changed. Shapiro's attorney, Nathan Chambers, declined to discuss the motion to dismiss but said he intended to file a written response.

CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass has been with the station more than 30 years uncovering waste, fraud and corruption. Follow him on Twitter @Briancbs4.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.