ST. GEORGE — A lawsuit demanding slightly more than $20 million was filed in Washington County on Wednesday against Hildale's city government and unexpectedly dragging neighboring city St. George into the conflict.
The plaintiffs, former Hildale City Manager Eric Duthie and former City Recorder Sirrene Barlow, allege they were driven from their posts in a toxic workplace environment fostered or condoned by city leadership.
The lawsuit thrusts the community of Hildale, still navigating its path after the dissolution of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints leadership that once dominated the city, back into the spotlight.
The core of the 20-page lawsuit accuses defendants — Hildale Mayor Donia Jessop, City Council member JVar Dutson, and City Attorney Shawn Guzman — of profiting from illegal contracting practices and wielding governmental power for personal gain.
