Former top Ventura County official sues county

Former Ventura County Executive Officer Mike Powers has filed a lawsuit against the County of Ventura, claiming that he was forced out of his job without being given the chance to defend himself against a harassment accusation from one of his employees. 

Powers is seeking unspecified damages for invasion of privacy, wrongful termination, and other claims. He is also asking the court to force the county to defend him in the lawsuit brought by his accuser and to pay his legal costs. 

Powers had an employment contract as CEO that allowed the Board of Supervisors to remove him at any time with or without cause. Powers is denying all the allegations of harassment except one.