Former Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas today lost a lawsuit she filed against Douglas County Commissioners Abe Laydon and George Teal.
In 2023, Thomas sued her then-colleagues to recover money she spent hiring her own legal counsel to represent her in civil and criminal investigations into her conduct during her campaign for Sheriff. Today, the court determined she could not recover those fees.
The Board of County Commissioners released the following statement:
“Today marks a decisive victory for the people of Douglas County against censured and disgraced former commissioner Lora Thomas, whose baseless lawsuit cost taxpayers over $100,000 in legal fees. We were always confident that the County was in the right and that this was just another in a series of self-serving attacks rooted in political ambition rather than fact.
Time and again, Ms. Thomas abused the legal system in a desperate attempt to rewrite history and escape accountability for her own misconduct. Her lawsuit lacked merit from the start, and this outcome affirms what the people of Douglas County have long known: that leadership requires integrity, not grievance-driven litigation.
The Board of County Commissioners remains focused on delivering real results for Douglas County families — not on rehashing the personal vendettas of a censured politician who put her ego ahead of her duty.
This ruling not only protects the integrity of our local government, but it sends a clear message that taxpayer resources must never again be hijacked for personal gain. We will continue to lead with transparency, responsibility, and respect for the people we serve.”
The former commissioner filed additional legal action against the County on Tuesday, this time to stop an election.
Thomas, along with Rep. Bob Marshall, and Julie Gooden began legal action that attempts to stop the upcoming Special Election during which voters will be asked whether Douglas County should exercise more local control by becoming a Home Rule Charter County. A judge will rule on the case.
Commissioners had this to say about the newest lawsuit:
“Commissioners are confident that the people of Douglas County will prevail in this attack on their right to vote on issues of independence and local control.”