Covington City Attorney Mark Popovich announced tonight that the five-million-dollar against the Department of Social Services is headed for dismissal, though an appeal may happen in the future.

Jury Rules in Favor of DSS Regarding $5 Million Lawsuit, Covington City Attorney Says By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer Covington, VA (Apr. 1, 2025)— During Covington City Council's brief April 1st work session, city attorney Mark Popovich approached the microphone to address the council regarding a five-million-dollar lawsuit filed against the Department of Social Services last year. Readers may recall that the lawsuit was filed by Deanna Ratliff nearly a year ago against the Department of Social Services alleging they violated the Virginia Fraud and Whistle Blower Protection Act found under § 2.2-3009 in the Code of Virginia. The policy states, "It shall be the policy of the Commonwealth that citizens of the Commonwealth and employees of governmental agencies be freely able to report instances of wrongdoing or abuse committed by governmental agencies or independent contractors of governmental agencies." According to the lawsuit (found here: https://www.scribd.com/document/747990965/2023-09-19-Ratliff-Filed-Complaint-003#from_embed), Ratliff felt as though Director Tammy Wilson carried herself in an unprofessional way and fired Ratliff in retaliation for reporting abuse, thus violating the aforementioned code. "I just want to give the city council an update [on the lawsuit]. As you know, there has been a five-million-dollar lawsuit filed against the Department of Social Services and the director, Tammy Wilson by Ms. Ratliff," City Attorney Mark Popovich said Tuesday night. "On March 20th, a jury verdict was entered in favor of the Department of Social Services and dismissed the case, so the matter has been removed from the docket." Popovich also noted that there was a possibility of an appeal, but as of right now, the case is headed for dismissal. Should things change, the Journal will be updating as they develop.

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