Whistleblower 9

Whistleblower 9: Tax dollars will not pay for Wanda Larson's attorney in civil lawsuit

By Paul Boyd
By Paul Boyd

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Union County officials have determined that taxpayers will not foot the legal bill for Wanda Larson’s defense attorney in a high-profile civil lawsuit.

Whistleblower 9 investigative reporter Paul Boyd started asking questions about the issue after discovering court documents connected to Larson’s legal defense earlier this week.

The documents reveal that Larson is being represented by the respected Greensboro law firm of Frazier, Hill & Fury. The firm says it specializes in municipal and insurance law on its website

In a statement to Channel 9, Union County assistant county manager Michelle Lancaster said that “Ms. Larson does not meet the requirements specified in County policy for Union County to provide a defense in this matter.”

It’s not clear who initially retained the law firm to file paperwork on Larson’s behalf.

Union County indicated in its statement that an insurance policy that covers employees could possibly pay for Larson’s legal defense. Officials indicated that the process to determine coverage is ongoing.

It’s also not clear how such a decision may impact future insurance rates for the county.

Channel 9 first reported in December that the boy who was found with a dead chicken around his neck while handcuffed to a porch is suing his former foster parent, Wanda Larson; the Union County Department of Social Services and Union County.

PAST COVERAGE: Boy found with dead chicken around his neck sues former foster mother

Wanda Larson was a Department of Social Services supervisor at the time. The lawsuit alleges systemic negligence and claims that Larson used her "connections" and "friendships" with Union County officials to "manipulate" her custody of the boy.

The suit also claims Union County failed to "monitor, supervise, oversee and evaluate the dangerous home environment" for the boy.

Court records show that Larson was served the civil lawsuit by the Union County Sheriff's Office in person.

"Our duty is to serve the process to ensure she appears in court to answer to the charge or to the lawsuit that's been filed. And at that point the courts are the next step in that process," said Tony Underwood, of the Union County Sheriff's Office.

The boy at the center of the case was 11 years old when he was found by a deputy in November 2013.

Larson and her boyfriend, Dorian Harper, were arrested and pleaded guilty to multiple child abuse charges for their care of the boy in their foster home.

(Wanda Larson/Dorian Harper)

Union County is represented by the Charlotte-based firm of Cranfill, Sumner & Hartzog.

The civil lawsuit was filed by Charlotte attorney Randall Phillips and Durham-based attorney Jerome Trehy Jr.

Attorneys for the defendants have been granted an extension to respond to the civil complaint.

Those legal filings are expected to be submitted by early February.

Read more trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group

Most Read