A previous high-ranking official at the Batavia Downs racetrack and casino endured “living hell” after exposing supposed misconduct, as stated by his attorney.
The betting agency owned by New York State, which operates the venue, has consented to pay $550 to resolve a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by its ex-second in command, Michael Nolan, according to The Niagara Gazette.
Five years ago, the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp (WROTB) dismissed Nolan from his role as COO after he reported his worries regarding the agency’s practices to the FBI.
This occurred after federal officials initiated an inquiry into public contracts that WROTB had entered with companies linked to political figures.
According to The Investigative Post, these involved firms associated with Richard Bianchi, the previous OTB board chairman and leader of the Monroe County Republican Party. Some were reportedly linked to then-CEO Henry Wojtaszek, the former leader of the Niagara County Republican Party.
In his legal action, Nolan claimed he discussed these matters with the FBI, including the granting of gold-plated health insurance to board members, the purported misuse of funds from video lottery terminals, and the utilization of public funds to buy VIP tickets for sports events.
The federal inquiry is still in progress.
Once Nolan told Wojtaszek and Bianchi that he had assisted investigators and appeared before a grand jury, he claimed they retaliated against him “quickly, forcefully, and harshly,” participating in a “pattern of bullying.”
Nolan claimed he was unjustly denied a pay increase, forced to work weekends, had his health insurance revoked, and was removed from essential responsibilities, including his role as WROTB’s officer for the Freedom of Information Law.
According to the lawsuit, his experience resulted in considerable "emotional distress" and imposed personal financial strains, including $80K in legal expenses.
Nolan claimed that his collaboration with the FBI was safeguarded by federal regulations that prohibit retaliation against whistleblowers.
In November 2024, WROBT submitted a counterclaim against Nolan and his attorney, Steve Cohen, alleging that they instigated a "public smear campaign" against the betting operator by "revealing … confidential [and] inaccurate" details to the press.
The agreement has settled both lawsuits, with neither side acknowledging fault.
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