Springfield City Councilor Maria Perez set to sue nonprofit after firing, lawyer says

SPRINGFIELD — An attorney for Springfield City Councilor Maria Perez on Tuesday announced she will take legal action against her former employer, New North Citizens' Council.

She was fired on July 21 after 43 years with the nonprofit agency for purportedly using her work computer for "political reasons." A colleague of hers, Evelisse Gonzalez, was fired for the same reasons.

But the board put out an unprecedented press release on a Saturday announcing only Perez's termination. Sitting on the board was her challenger for the Ward 1 City Council seat, Joesiah Gonzalez, who resigned amid publicity surrounding the matter.

Other board members said Efrain "Jesse" Vazquez confessed Gonzalez used his computer after Gonzalez drafted the press release, which falsely accused her of embezzlement. Gonzalez was the one who hit "send" on the release, Vazquez told his colleagues.

Springfield attorney Jeffrey Morneau said he will hold a press conference on the steps of the courthouse Wednesday morning.

"Attorney Morneau will discuss legal action to be taken in response to Councilwoman Perez's recent termination from employment as well as false allegations that Ms. Perez engaged in "embezzlement" of public monies during her tenure with NNCC," his announcement read.

Read the original article on MassLive .