Court Opinion

ID: 4269429
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2018-04-24 14:55:04.944112+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:31:25.886085
License: Public Domain

COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA

              Present: Judges Humphreys, Beales and Alston
UNPUBLISHED

              Argued at Richmond, Virginia

              JOHN CARPENTER
                                                                            MEMORANDUM OPINION BY
              v.     Record No. 0560-17-2                                   JUDGE ROSSIE D. ALSTON, JR.
                                                                                  APRIL 24, 2018
              VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF
               SOCIAL SERVICES

                                FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
                                            Clarence N. Jenkins, Jr., Judge

                               Richard F. Hawkins, III (Hawkins Law Firm, PC, on briefs), for
                               appellant.

                               Sarah Flynn Robb, Assistant Attorney General (Mark R. Herring,
                               Attorney General; Samuel T. Towell, Deputy Attorney General;
                               Gregory C. Fleming, Senior Assistant Attorney General, on brief),
                               for appellee.

                     John Carpenter (appellant) appeals the denial of his petition for judicial review by the

              Circuit Court for the City of Richmond (circuit court). Appellant specifically contends that the

              hearing officer acted in a manner contradictory to law by violating his constitutional right to due

              process on three grounds: (1) appellant was disciplined on charges contained in the withdrawn

              Written Notice (WN), (2) the Commonwealth’s Department of Social Services’ (Agency) delay

              in disciplining appellant for more than eight months was not properly considered as a mitigating

              factor, and (3) appellant was denied the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses responsible

              for formulating the basis for the Agency’s action against him.

                     
                         Pursuant to Code § 17.1-413, this opinion is not designated for publication.
                                           BACKGROUND

       Appellant was employed as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Quality Assurance Manager for the Agency. Prior to 2013, the Agency contracted with Julie

Osnes Consulting (Osnes) to “develop methods1 to increase performance so as to qualify for the

[federal] bonus pool;” this pool is divided among the top seven or eight states based on

“performance criteria.” Appellant subsequently worked for Osnes, implementing Osnes methods

in other states to improve their chances at receiving those bonus funds. Appellant engaged in

these behaviors for multiple years in secret while still employed by the Agency. An investigator

from the Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) launched an investigation of the “Quality

Control and SNAP ME Review process” for “using an outside contractor to help mitigate errors”

in violation of federal regulations. The OSIG investigator requested that the Agency keep the

investigation confidential. The Agency’s director complied with the request but provided

negative feedback on appellant’s subsequent performance evaluation. The Agency launched its

own investigation into appellant’s activities after civil investigative demands were served.

Appellant was issued two notices of intent and timely responded. Subsequently, appellant was

issued three Group III WN’s indicating termination. WN 1 alleged that appellant’s behavior

constituted unethical conduct, created a serious conflict of interest, and violated the Conflicts of

Interest Act. WN 2 alleged that appellant “established a consulting business without complet[ing

the required forms, and] understated [his] earnings from that business on [his] 2013 and 2014

[Statements of Economic Interest].” WN 3 alleged that appellant engaged in unethical conduct.

Appellant filed a grievance to challenge the Agency’s action.

       1
         These methods were used “for quality control review to lower []error rates.” This is
public information.
                                             -2-
       The Agency withdrew WN 3 before the hearing date. The matter was heard by a hearing

officer of the Office of Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR), Department of Human Resource

Management (DHRM). Regarding WN 1, the hearing officer concluded that the Agency did not

prove that appellant violated the Conflict of Interest Act; “[t]hat leaves for [WN 1] the issue of

whether the activity was unethical conduct.”2 The hearing officer found that

                [Appellant’s] conduct in secretly engaging in the unapproved
                outside employment, so closely related to his Agency’s business,
                lacked integrity, raised an inference of conflict of interest . . . , and
                was not approved as required by the Standards of Conduct and the
                Agency’s handbook . . . .

                The issue of the unapproved outside employment is more squarely
                addressed in [WN 2]. Because I find that the offense the Agency
                has spread over two separate [WNs] is all related to [appellant’s]
                outside employment, without the Agency’s approval, the discipline
                should properly be considered one [WN] . . . . Because the nature
                of the outside employment was so closely aligned with the
                Agency’s business, the ethical aspects of integrity, proprietary
                information, and inference of conflict of interest are aggravating
                factors. Because of these concerns, the nature of the unapproved
                outside employment is serious rather than trivial. [Appellant] sold
                his Agency experience and knowledge to other states.

       Regarding WN 2, the hearing officer concluded that “the Agency failed to prove

[appellant] materially misrepresented his business interest on the [Statement of Economic

Interest]’s.” Yet,

                [Appellant] engaged in outside employment without notification or
                approval, as required by the Agency and the Standards of Conduct.
                I also find that [appellant] kept the business secret from his
                Agency, and the nature of the outside employment, being so
                dependent on his Agency duties and specialization, justifies a

       2
           The Agency’s code of ethics requires employees to:

                    Act with integrity in all relationships.
                    Refrain from any activity or relationship that is or could be
                     inferred as a violation of the State and Local Government
                     Conflict of Interest Act.
                    Abide by Virginia’s Standards of Conduct for Employees and
                     related regulations.
                                                   -3-
               Group III [WN]. The Agency had no knowledge or control over
               the dissemination of its information and processes.

       Addressing mitigation factors, the hearing officer noted that because he found that

appellant engaged in misconduct constituting a violation of one Group III WN, he “may mitigate

the [A]gency’s discipline only if . . . the [A]gency’s discipline exceeds the limits of

reasonableness.” Appellant argued that the Agency’s delay in disciplining him was a mitigating

factor. The hearing officer indicated that delaying discipline for an extended period of time

“gives the appearance that the offense is not serious.” Here, the hearing officer found that the

delay did not “negate the alleged seriousness of the offense” because the OSIG was conducting

an investigation. The hearing officer also recognized that the Agency did not act sooner due to

the OSIG investigator’s request. Further, the hearing officer noted that appellant was not

prejudiced by the delay. The hearing officer then noted that “[t]ermination is the normal

discipline for a Group III [WN]” and that “[s]uch decision falls within the discretion of the

Agency so long as the discipline does not exceed the bounds of reasonableness.” The hearing

officer found that the Agency’s action was “within the limits of reasonableness,” declined to

mitigate the discipline, and upheld the Agency’s decision.

       Appellant petitioned for administrative review before EDR on the same grounds. EDR

found that appellant’s due process rights were not violated because he was provided adequate

notice. EDR also found that the hearing officer did not abuse his discretion in deciding not to

mitigate the Agency’s action, highlighting the hearing officer’s finding that no prejudice resulted

from the delay. And finally, EDR ruled that appellant had the opportunity to cross-examine

those formulating the Agency’s grounds for discipline; the Agency conducted its own

investigation, and based on those findings, disciplined appellant. Ultimately, EDR refused to

disturb the hearing officer’s findings. Accordingly, the hearing officer’s decision became a final

hearing decision.
                                                -4-
       Appellant sought judicial review in the circuit court. Appellant asserted the same

arguments presented to EDR. The circuit court denied appellant’s petition for judicial review,

and appellant appealed to this Court. We remanded the matter back to the circuit court “because

we [could not] determine whether or not the circuit court conducted an independent review” and

because appellant “did not file a transcript.” The circuit court then issued an order clarifying that

the question before it was whether the hearing officer’s decision to uphold the Agency’s

determination to terminate appellant was contradictory to law. The circuit court set forth

appellant’s arguments. Based on the record, arguments, and briefs, the circuit court

“OVERRULE[D appellant]’s arguments on the merits and [FOUND] that the decision of the

[h]earing [o]fficer . . . was not contradictory to law.” The circuit court then affirmed the hearing

officer’s decision. Having a complete record before us, we affirm the circuit court’s

determinations on the merits.

                                             ANALYSIS

       “The authority of a court to review state employee grievances is limited. ‘The only

grounds of appeal of the hearing officer’s decision is ‘that the determination is contradictory to

law.’” Burke v. Catawba Hosp., 59 Va. App. 828, 834, 722 S.E.2d 684, 687 (2012) (quoting Va.

Dep’t of State Police v. Barton, 39 Va. App. 439, 445, 573 S.E.2d 319, 322 (2002)). “We review

questions of law . . . de novo.” Id. (citing Louis Latour, Inc. v. Va. Alcoholic Bev. Control Bd.,

49 Va. App. 758, 766, 645 S.E.2d 318, 322 (2007)).

       “In a plainly stated statutory framework, the Code of Virginia provides grievance

procedures applicable to state agency employees, granting an employee a right to a hearing

before a designated hearing officer when that employee has been formally disciplined.” Va.

Polytechnic Inst. v. Quesenberry, 277 Va. 420, 428, 674 S.E.2d 854, 858 (2009) (citing Code

§§ 2.2-3001 and 2.2-3004(A)(i)).

                                                -5-
               [A] hearing officer appointed by the [EDR] has certain powers and
               duties with regard to a grievance hearing, including the
               consideration of evidence and the determination of appropriate
               remedies. Code §§ 2.2-3005 and 2.2-3005.1. The hearing
               officer’s decision, which must be in writing, shall contain findings
               of fact and the hearing officer’s basis for making those factual
               findings. Code § 2.2-3005.1(C)(i) and (ii). The hearing officer’s
               decision is final and binding “if consistent with law and policy.”
               Code § 2.2-3005.1(C)(iii).

Id. (emphasis added).

       A party may request administrative review pursuant to Code § 2.2-3006(A) to determine

whether the hearing officer’s decision is contrary to policy. Id. at 428-29, 674 S.E.2d at 858

(citing Code § 2.2-3006(A)). A party may request judicial review pursuant to Code

§ 2.2-3006(B) to determine whether the decision is contrary to law. Id. at 429, 674 S.E.2d at

858. “This review procedure allows the executive branch latitude to manage and discipline

executive branch employees and to develop its own policy and procedures, subject to limited

legal constraints.” Burke, 59 Va. App. at 834, 722 S.E.2d at 687.

       Appellant contends that his constitutional right to due process was violated in three

separate ways. Appellant first argues that the hearing officer’s decision that appellant behaved

unethically constitutes such a violation because the Agency did not provide him with adequate

notice. Appellant also argues that being denied the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses

formulating the basis of the Agency’s discipline against appellant constitutes a second violation.

       “[W]hen considering whether the State has provided all the process that is due in

depriving an individual of life, liberty, or property, we must look at both pre- and

post-deprivation processes.” Skinner v. Switzer, 562 U.S. 521, 540 (2011). Regarding

pre-termination proceedings, the Due Process Clause requires that appellant “be given an

opportunity for a hearing before he is deprived of any significant property interest.” Cleveland

Bd. of Educ. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532, 542 (1985) (emphasis omitted) (quoting Boddie v.

                                                -6-
Connecticut, 401 U.S. 371, 379 (1971)). This pre-termination hearing “need not be elaborate”

and “should be an initial check against mistaken decisions.” Id. at 545. Individuals must also be

given “notice and an opportunity to respond.” Id. “[T]enured public employee[s are] entitled to

oral or written notice of the charges against [them], an explanation of the employer’s evidence,

and an opportunity to present [their] side of the story.” Id. at 546 (citing Arnett v. Kennedy, 416
U.S. 134, 170-71(1974)). Regarding post-termination proceedings, “the existence of

post-termination procedures is relevant to the necessary scope of the pre[-]termination

procedures.” Id. at 547 n.12. “[T]he Due Process Clause requires provision of a hearing ‘at a

meaningful time.’” Id. at 546 (quoting Armstrong v. Manzo, 380 U.S. 545, 552 (1965)).

       Regarding the pre-termination proceeding, the Agency provided appellant with the

requisite notice; the charges against appellant were fully set forth in the issued WNs, and

although WN 3 was withdrawn, WN 1 and WN 2 both addressed appellant’s unethical conduct.

Regarding the post-termination proceeding, the Agency initiated its own investigation and

disciplined appellant based on its own findings. Consistent with the requirements of the

applicable law, the proceeding before the hearing officer provided appellant the opportunity to

present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine Agency witnesses who formulated the basis

of the Agency’s action.

       Finally, appellant argued that the hearing officer did not properly consider the Agency’s

delay as a mitigating factor constituted a third violation. “Hearing officers shall have the . . .

power[] and dut[y to r]eceive and consider evidence in mitigation or aggravation of any offense

charged by an agency in accordance with rules established by [DHRM] pursuant to [Code]

§ 2.2-1202.1.” Code § 2.2-3005. The Rules for Conducting Grievance Hearings require that “if

the hearing officer finds that:”

               (i) the employee engaged in the behavior described in the [WN],
               (ii) the behavior constituted misconduct, and (iii) the agency’s
                                                 -7-
               discipline was consistent with law and policy, the agency’s
               discipline must be upheld and may not be mitigated, unless, under
               the record evidence, the discipline exceeds the limits of
               reasonableness.

§ VI(B).

       The hearing officer did consider the Agency’s delay in disciplining appellant. However,

the hearing officer did not find that the delay created the appearance that the charge was less than

serious. The OSIG was investigating appellant and asked the Agency’s director to keep that

confidential. The Agency’s director did so and later initiated its own investigation after the

Agency and appellant were served with civil investigative demands. The hearing officer found

that the Agency’s action did not exceed the limits of reasonableness and chose not to mitigate.

                                           CONCLUSION

       Exercising its limited judicial review and based on the record, arguments, and briefs, the

circuit court “overrule[d]” appellant’s arguments on the merits and affirmed the hearing officer,

finding that the decision of the hearing officer “was not contradictory to law.” Appellant’s due

process rights were not violated. Considering pre-termination and post-termination proceedings

that occurred, appellant had adequate notice and the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses

who formulated the grounds for the Agency’s action against him. Further, the hearing officer

complied with the statutory directive; he considered the delay and decided not to mitigate the

Agency’s discipline.

       The hearing officer’s findings were not contrary to law. Thus, we affirm the circuit

court’s decision.

                                                                                          Affirmed.

                                               -8-