A former Humboldt County Deputy Public Defender is appealing the lawsuit he filed against his former employer over alleged wrongful termination following a summary judgment against his case.
Mendocino Judge Ann Moorman previously ruled that there’s not enough contested evidence for a jury panel to decide whether the Humboldt County Public Defender’s Office discriminated against and wrongfully terminated Rory Kalin – who alleged his office turned against him following a golf ball to the head, his subsequent medical leave and a 2019 Lake Shasta boat party where he said Judge Gregory Kreis called him a “Jew-boy,” pushed him in the lake and made advances at his wife.
Kalin’s attorney, Johnny Rundell, filed a motion for a new trial in February after Moorman dismissed the case in December 2023, arguing in writing the case was improperly dismissed, critical new evidence went unconsidered and accused former Public Defender Marek Reavis of lying during testimony.
“Newly discovered evidence raises an interference that the reasons used to justify the adverse employment actions were false, such as … Defendant Reavis’ testimony that he wanted to fire Plaintiff because Plaintiff had been out on leave for 8 months to a year, and Defendant Reavis’ false statement that he was approached by Judge (Kaleb) Cockrum to talk about Plaintiff’s performance rather than him approaching Judge Cockrum to solicit negative feedback,” the motion for a new trial stated.
A key element of the defense evidence argued that several judges, including Cockrum, had complained to Reavis about Kalin’s courtroom performance, alleging he would misstate the facts of cases and disrespect juries.
Moorman was not swayed by Rundell’s argument. Her December ruling outlined several reasons why she believed the evidence did not warrant the eyes and ears of a jury.
“Even considering the new evidence submitted by Plaintiff, Plaintiff has not established basis for reversing or revising any part of this Court’s Order,” Moorman’s denial of a new trial stated.
The county recently hired legal representation, and the appeal court has an order to show cause due by June 12.
Rundell did not respond to a request for comment by the Times-Standard’s print deadline.
Jackson Guilfoil can be reached at 707-441-0506.
