State Investigators Of Narconon Arrowhead Say They Were Wrongfully Fired

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse<strong> </strong>started investigating Narconon Arrowhead in July 2012 after three people died at the facility in nine months' time.

Friday, April 18th 2014, 6:30 pm

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State Investigators Of Narconon Arrowhead Say They Were Wrongfully Fired

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse started investigating Narconon Arrowhead in July 2012 after three people died at the facility in nine months' time. More than a year later, the agency fired Inspector General Kim Poff, and Michael DeLong another investigator in the Narconon case.

"They were terminated back in August 2013, no particular reason was given for their termination," said their attorney Rachel Bussett.

Both have not filed EEOC complaints saying they were wrongfully terminated. Bussett says, because of the current investigation she can't say much about their case, but believes they know the real reason why the two employees were fired.

"Their termination, in part, relates to the Narconon Investigation."

Family members of those who died at the facility have become increasingly frustrated with a lack of results from the state investigation. But Robert Murphy, whose daughter Stacey died at the facility says Poff was the only one doing any investigating.

"In my opinion, Kim Poff was another victim of the abuses of Narconon Arrowhead and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service not protecting the public," said Murphy.

The EEOC has 180 days to investigate the complaint, before Poff and Delong can file a lawsuit against the state.

A State Department of mental health spokesman said they cannot comment on personnel matters. He says the Department of Mental Health has completed their investigation and turned their findings over to the Attorney General's office.