Client Outcomes

Expiration of Statute of Limitations Exonerates Supervisor

Senior Medical Technical Assistant Rejinther Dosange worked for over 21 years for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). For six of those years, she worked as a supervisor. Dosange is currently assigned to the Salinas Valley Psychiatric Program at Salinas Valley State Prison. She is known for her reputation for following department policy and making sure her subordinates also follow policy.
 
It was to Rejinther Dosange’s surprise then, when she was notified on January 30, 2007 that she was being investigated for allegations of causing a hostile work environment and violating confidentiality policy. Dosange was unaware of the complainant to these allegations but suspected the allegations were related to her enforcement of department policy in the work place. Dosange, a member of CCSO, immediately contacted CCSO representatives, who contacted Goyette & Associates for further representation.  
 
Administrative Investigator Cheryl McDonell interviewed Dosange on February 14, 2007. It was during that interview that Goyette & Associates learned that allegations of a hostile work environment against Dosange were submitted to McDonell between January and February of 2006. During that time, Dosange was never notified that she was being investigated.
 
An inmate assaulted Dosange at the prison in February of 2006.This injury forced Dosange to workers compensation status. Dosange was on workers compensation status for approximately two months and returned to light duty. When light duty accommodations were exhausted, Dosange returned to workers compensation status. She returned to full time status in October of 2006. Between February and October of 2006, CDCR nor the Department of Mental Health requested an interview with Dosange though she was available.
 
When Dosange was interviewed in February of 2007, Luce Beltran, Goyette & Associates Labor Representative, objected on the record the department had one year to investigate and discipline (if warranted) from the date the department was aware of the alleged misconduct per Section 3304(g) of the California Government Code (“Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights Act”).  Because the department failed to do so within one year, the interview and any further action was untimely.
 
Shortly thereafter, Dosange received a letter from the Program Director for the Salinas Valley State Prison Psychiatric Program. The letter stated, “Due to a technicality relating to time frames, SVPP has decided not to pursue this investigation.”
 
Based on this letter, all charges against Dosange have been dropped. Goyette & Associates and CCSO have fought hard and long for the Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights and this is a vivid example that the battle for these rights have been worth every effort and sacrifice. 
 
Luciano Beltran
Labor Representative