WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ) - Waupaca County has agreed to settle federal allegations that a sheriff’s deputy was not promoted because she’s a woman.

The U.S. Justice Department Thursday announced details of a consent decree which ends the case.

Washington filed a complaint last year that accused Waupaca County of promoting a male patrol officer to a detective sergeant’s post, even though Julie Thobaben was more qualified.

The county said the promotion would have violated its anti-nepotism policy, because Thobaben would have supervised her husband – who’s a patrol officer.

The consent decree requires the county to promote Thobaben to the sergeant’s post within 3 years, and give her $142,000 for back pay, attorney fees, and damages.

The Justice Department also told the county to review its anti-nepotism and equal employment policies.