Former deputy sues Jefferson County, claims he lost job due to military leave

A former Jefferson County deputy sheriff has filed a lawsuit against the county alleging wrongful termination in violation of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Joel Bradberry filed suit against Jefferson County on May 25 in the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division.

Bradberry was employed as a deputy sheriff from May 2007 until he was ordered to report for Army Reserve duty on Sept. 1, 2008. He was originally schedule to return to work on Sept. 13, 2008, but with the imminent landfall of Hurricane Ike, his orders were extended until Sept. 15, 2008.

Shortly after returning to work, he was accused of being absent without leave and asked to provide documentation relating to his reserve duty. Bradberry states the provided the information on two separate occasions but was still terminated by the defendant.

The defendant is accused of violating the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and violating Texas statutes and regulations.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for past and future wages, salary, employment benefits, interest, liquidated damages and attorney's fees.

Bradberry is represented by Melissa Moore, Curt Hesse of Moore & Associates in Houston.

A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark is assigned to the case.

Case No. 1:11-cv-00258