Ex-Employee’s Lawsuit Over Minnesota Lottery Firing Narrows

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The lawsuit brought by a fired Minnesota Lottery leader has been narrowed.

A Ramsey County District Court judge signed an order Monday changing the defendants in Johnene Canfield's case against her former employer. Canfield was assistant director when she was fired over alcohol-related infractions. Canfield argues the spring 2015 dismissal was mishandled and discriminatory. She is suing for reinstatement and monetary damages.

The order sought by Canfield's attorney removes the state of Minnesota, a budget agency and three administration officials as named defendants in the case. The sole defendant is now the lottery itself. The lawsuit's underlying claims are the same.

Canfield and her lawsuit aren't the only trouble spot for the lottery lately. Executive Director Ed Van Petten resigned Friday amid questions over his travel spending.