DATE: November 17, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Hollis Magill, Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Request to Defend Public Officers or Employees
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute “Agreement to Defend Public Officer or Employee, Reservation of Rights, and Non-Waiver” for the employees listed below:
Name of
Employees Current Position Title of Action
Kenneth Johnson Social Services Program Ra-Shannah Johnson
Supervisor, v
Department of Social Services County of Fresno et al.
Kimberly Desmond Social Services Division Chief,
Department of Social Services
Carmen Sanchez-Sauceda Social Services Division Chief,
Department of Social Services
REPORT
Description:
The Plaintiff alleges that, during her employment with the Department of Social Services, she experienced discrimination, harassment, and retaliation from her supervisors, which was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. Plaintiff is a former employee of the Department of Social Services. All employees were employed with the Department of Social Services at the times relevant to the allegations in the lawsuit.
Fresno County Claim No.: 11415
Fresno County Superior Court: 26CU02910
Plaintiff: Ra-Shannah Johnson
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No alternative action is available because Article 4 (commencing with section 825), Chapter 1, Part 2, Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code requires the County to indemnify its public employees who timely request such defense.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Funds to finance the cost of defense are contained in the Department’s Org 8925, Risk Management Internal Services Fund. Defense costs are supported by annual budgetary contributions based on actuarial projections.
DISCUSSION:
The California Government Code requires the County to defend its officers and employees who are sued because of their actions while in the course and scope of employment, if they timely request such defense. The County may require officers and employees to agree that the County’s rights under the law are protected.
In the above-mentioned action, the employees who have been named in the suit have requested the County to provide legal defense. The necessary agreement to protect the County’s rights have been signed by the said employees and is on file with the Clerk of the Board.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement to Defend Public Officer or Employee, Kenneth Johnson
On file with Clerk - Agreement to Defend Public Officer or Employee, Kimberly Desmond
On file with Clerk - Agreement to Defend Public Officer or Employee, Carmen Sanchez-Sauceda
On file with Clerk - Exhibit “A” Article 4. Indemnification of Public Employees
CAO ANALYST:
Sevag Tateosian