The county saw a significant increase in high-risk clients with mental illness with inadequate staff and funding - fallout from dysfunction at the Oregon State Hospital, a new suit alleges.

In a response to Cecil’s complaint to the state labor bureau, the county acknowledged that Shumate “did retaliate” against Cecil for her complaints about work conditions but that Shumate apologized for hostile communications.

County officials denied that Cecil was ever directed to lie in court and said she lost her lead position and pay because a supervisor was hired instead.