An investigator with the Montana Human Rights Bureau says there is no reason to believe that Lee Enterprises discriminated against former Missoulian editor Sherry Devlin.

Devlin filed a complaint alleging that the company discriminated against her based on her age and sex by demoting her, reducing her pay and hiring a younger, less qualified man to replace her.

Investigator Dennis Unsworth says his investigation found publisher Mark Heintzelman set a high standard for the leadership style he wanted in the newsroom and that both he and Devlin determined she wasn't suited to that style of leadership.

In February, Devlin filed a wrongful discharge lawsuit against Lee Enterprises, alleging her work conditions were so intolerable that she was forced to resign in November 2015. That case is still pending.

Unsworth issued his findings on April 22.

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