Opinion ID: 628036
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Termination of Frank's Employment

Text: 18 On September 13, 1985, Justice Kennedy summoned Relin and informed him that A might be mishandling potentially exculpatory material in the Larson case. Relin, apparently surprised by what he heard, returned to his office to investigate the matter. He learned that it was Pilato who had informed Justice Kennedy about the Larson matter and that Pilato's impetus had been a conversation with Frank. Relin stated that he had confronted Frank and inquired why she had not followed proper office procedure (described by Relin at the hearing as an unwritten procedure) and expressed her concerns to her immediate supervisor or Relin, rather than discussing A 's case with Pilato. He told Frank she had made the most serious type of error in judgment and that he planned to discuss her performance with the members of his senior staff. (Hearing Transcript dated February 13, 1989 (Feb. 13 Tr.), at 30 (testimony of Relin).) 19 Relin thereafter convened a meeting attended by, inter alios, Relin, Sofia, A, and B (Pilato apparently had been fired immediately) to discuss the matter, and their principal focus appears to have been whether or not Frank should be fired. According to the testimony of Sofia, [i]t was arrived at through a consensus meeting of the administrative division heads of the District Attorney's Office and the District Attorney (id. at 15) that Mrs. Frank could no longer be trusted; that her position was a key one, and she would be working with trial attorneys, and it was determined that she couldn't--her position was too important, and she could no longer be trusted (id. at 14). 20 On September 20, 1985, Relin relieved Frank of her duties and asked her to resign. Three days later, Frank was given letters of recommendation by A, Sofia, and Relin. A stated that the victim-witness program as initiated and expanded by Melinda (Lynn) Frank now serves as a model for other district attorneys offices throughout the State. In this regard, Lynn's dedication to this office, her work, and her attitude have, in my opinion, been excellent. (To Whom It May Concern Letter from A dated September 23, 1985.) After stating that Frank had assisted him personally in numerous cases, including some 15 homicide trials, A concluded: 21 I have every confidence in Lynn Frank's abilities, and feel that her skills would translate well into any area of endeavor. I would certainly recommend Lynn most highly in whatever field she chooses. 22 (Id.) Sofia's letter was similar: 23 As her supervisor, I can say that her dedication and devotion to her duties, as well as to this office, remained at the highest levels. Her insights into various aspects of the job were astute and timely. 24 Lynn will be missed here, but, I am sure wherever she goes, she will be a valued asset. I recommend her for employment without reservation. 25 (To Whom It May Concern Letter from Sofia dated September 23, 1985.) Relin wrote that in her four years' work with the DA's office, Frank had demonstrated outstanding skills in dealing with people and had made trying felony cases a pleasure for many of the attorneys within the Monroe County District Attorney's Office. (To Whom It May Concern Letter from Relin dated February [sic ] 23, 1985.) Relin continued: 26 On a personal level, I have found Ms. Frank to be a person who seeks out assistance and advice and a person who has an overriding concern for her office, and for the reputation of that office. Ms. Frank has been a real asset to the Monroe County District Attorney's Office, and we will miss her very much. She would be an extremely valuable employee for any occupation that I can think of that deals with people, and I would give her the highest recommendation for future employment. 27 (Id.)