By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-817956.mp3
Dallas, TX – Four Dallas County Deputies are suing Sheriff Lupe Valdez for transferring them to night-shifts in the Jail. KERA's BJ Austin says they claim it was "retaliation" for their support of the Sheriff's opponent in the November election.
The lawsuit filed in federal court accuses Sheriff Lupe Valdez and Executive Chief Deputy Jesse Flores of violating Constitutional rights of free speech and due process, as well as Civil Service laws prohibiting transfers or firings for POLITICAL reasons.
Attorney Bob Gorsky says the lawsuit seeks re-instatement to the previous jobs and unspecified damages.
Gorsky: We believe the evidence will show they were moved solely because of their support for Lowell Cannaday and for no other reason. And that's illegal.
The Sheriff's Department, in a statement, says it is not uncommon for the leadership team to periodically reevaluate personnel and positions for the good of the Department. Spokesperson Kim Leach says 60 people were transferred to new jobs this week.