 McGee then filed a wrongful discharge lawsuit and an independent investigation was launched.Although the independent investigation did not substantiate McGee's allegation, in part because she did not cooperate with the investigator, the State Auditor's office nonetheless chose to settle the lawsuit.According to the "Billings Gazette", "Investigating and settling McGee’s complaint cost the Auditor’s Office about $62,500," and in addition, Lindeen reinstated McGee to employment for a period of 16 months at her previous salary of $45,000 a year, allowing McGee to telecommute from her home.