Another member of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office has filed suit claiming he was fired because he supported the wrong sheriff's candidate.
Adam Beard filed suit in Bradley County Circuit Court against Bradley County, Sheriff Jim Ruth, Capt. Tom Wasson, Lt. Kevin Whitaker and Deputy Daniel Marlow.
The plantiff said he joined the sheriff's office in July 2008 and was terminated at the end of March 2011.
He said he was suspended after his patrol vehicle went off the road while responding on an accident with injuries on March 9, 2011.
The plaintiff said he was told by Lt. Whitaker of statements attributed to Charles Dunson that were said to have come from him. The suit says Deputy Marlow had given false information to Dunson. He was reprimanded over the alleged statement.
It says Dunson filed a complaint saying the remarks had been distorted by Deputy Marlow. It says Capt. Wasson sought to have Dunson withdraw that complaint.
He said he was fired March 29, 2011, by Lt. Whitaker "in an abusive, profane and unprofessional manner."
The plaintiff said he supported another candidate for sheriff, and Sheriff Ruth had set about to demote or terminate those who had not been for him.
The suit, filed by attorney Mike Raulston, asks $950,000 compensatory damages and $500,000 punitive damages.
Dallas Longwith filed a similar complaint earlier.