Man accuses official of retaliation

A Texas City man sued Galveston County and a county sheriff’s office employee, alleging First Amendment violations and political retaliation.

Raymond Benoist filed a lawsuit Dec. 31, 2014, in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Galveston County and Henry Trochesset.

According to the complaint, Benoist had enjoyed an exemplary career since 1975, had become full-time in 2005 and was rewarded with promotions along the way. The suit states that in November 2012, Trochesset was elected to the county sheriff’s office and Benoist, who had supported Trochesset’s campaign opponent, was systematically demoted, resulting in reduced pay and benefits. Benoist alleges political retribution and says his demotion did not lawfully follow county procedures.

Benoist seeks: damages in the form of an injunctions against further denial of First Amendment rights and unlawful retaliation; judgment to reinstate his original position; lost wages; and damages, including compensation for attorney fees, expenses and costs.

Benoist is represented by attorneys Alfonso Kennard Jr. and Monica Nunez-Garza of Kennard Blankenship Robinson in Houston.

Galveston Division of Southern District of Texas case number: 3:14-CV-0046.