The suit stems from a May 2014 report Dalal’s office authored on efforts to restore benefits from Judkins’ previous employment period with the city. Dalal’s review focused on an attempt by former Chief Administrative Officer Byron C. Marshall to restore more than 800 hours of sick leave Judkins had accrued previously. That move would have cost the city nearly $400,000, according to the report

Askew has challenged Dalal’s calculations. The complaint against him alleges that his “malicious, self-serving actions” caused Judkins professional damage and personal suffering.

Judkins, as of January, had not found other employment since her dismissal in May 2014. In court filings, an expert witness hired on her behalf estimated that the firing and damage to her reputation would cost Judkins about $2.12 million in lost income over time.

She was diagnosed as having symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder associated with the termination, according to court records. She reported feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness to a Newport News-based counselor, the records state.