YPSILANTI, MI – A former City of Ypsilanti employee is suing the city and two officials for $1.5 million, alleging she was wrongfully fired because of her age, sex and disability and in retaliation for reporting suspected nepotism and timekeeping violations.
Lorrie L. Thomas filed the lawsuit Jan. 5 in Washtenaw County Circuit Court against the City of Ypsilanti, City Clerk Tracey Boudreau and City Manager Andrew Hellenga. The complaint cites Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act and state laws prohibiting discrimination based on sex, age and disability.
Thomas, 56, served as deputy city clerk from December 2023 until she was terminated in August 2025. According to the complaint, issues began in July 2024 when she requested workplace accommodations for a hearing‑related disability. She alleges retaliation followed…