Jury Awards $1.7 Million to New Jersey Housing Authority Employees Fired for Reporting Fraud

Two Camden Housing Authority employees were unlawfully fired for exposing misbehavior, and a federal jury awarded them $1.7 million. Public institution accountability whistleblowers won big.

On December 19, 2018, security director Gary Evangelista and housing specialist Kaberia Fussell were sacked. After complaining about unpaid rent, housing unit misuse, theft, fraud, and preferential treatment, they were fired. Instead of resolving these issues, the government fired the workers, launching a years-long lawsuit.

Evangelista and Fussell sued for First Amendment breaches in 2020 as federal whistleblowers. They claimed they were fired for federally protected speech and union activity.

Courts acted slowly. A U.S. District Court judge refused the housing authority’s summary judgment petition on various grounds in 2024, allowing a jury trial. On November 18, the jury found the dismissals retaliatory and awarded both former employees significant damages.

Evangelista received $510,891 in lost income, $750,000 in damages, and $2,500 in penalties. Fussell received $450,000 compensatory and $2,500 punitive damages. Fussell returned to work after appealing her termination, but she said the verdict was long-awaited confirmation of her conduct. After his discharge, Evangelista struggled to find work, calling the prize “giving me my life back after six years.”

The verdict emphasizes government accountability and public employee whistleblower protections. Legal experts believe such examples show that whistleblower punishment is wrong and can harm public organizations financially and legally.

The case also highlights how employees may struggle to report fraud or misconduct. Despite penalty, whistleblowers protect public resources and openness. The ruling represents a milestone for New Jersey whistleblower protections.

Sources:

US District Court records

Philadelphia Inquirer

Legal protections for NJ whistleblowers