Engstrom may have been properly advised that in Montana you cannot fire someone without cause (absent a probationary period), even if you have a contract saying you can. He may have been advised that doing so would give rise to a cause of action under Montana's wrongful discharge act (which allows, as damages, up to 4 years of wages). With that advice, he may have decided to fire them anyway and simply pay the bill afterwards. Employers actually have that right and some choose to exercise it. Unfortunately, its us tax payers that will be paying Engstrom's bill. BTW, since Engstrom is named in the new Federal complaint, it obviously means he guilty of the same wrongs as O'day and Pflu. I guess his pink slip better be next.