The embattled president of Westfield State University, Evan Dobelle, who was put on paid administrative leave last week over questions about his alleged lavish spending and misuse of university credit cards, is fighting back.
Team 5 Investigates has learned Dobelle filed a lawsuit in federal court late Thursday afternoon accusing three university trustees and state Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland of conspiring to destroy his reputation.
Dobelle also names the university's law firm, and an outside auditing firm in his complaint. He's seeking an undetermined amount in damages, and reimbursement for attorney's fees.
In a written statement, Dobelle's attorney, Ross Garber said they filed this action as a last resort and with deep regret.
"We hoped the honorable people would address this matter honorably, but we must now rely on our legal system as the bulwark against political maneuvering and back room schemes," wrote Garber.
Dobelle, who described himself as "a nationally-noted figure in higher education" and as a "visionary," claims he was suspended from his job without due process and in violation of his employment agreement. Under his current contract, Dobelle is paid more than $240,000 a year.
The chairman of the university's Board of Trustees, Jack Flynn could not be immediately reached for comment. Neither could state Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland. However, in the past, both have previously dismissed Dobelle's allegations.