Long-time TDCJ employee alleges warden retaliated for cooperating with investigation

For a quarter of a century, Joseph Turano worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. After cooperating with an investigation against Warden Alphonso James, Turano claims he was demoted despite an exemplary employment record.

On Jan. 10 Turano filed suit against the TDCJ and James in Jefferson County District Court, alleging retaliation for his cooperation.

According to the lawsuit, Turano worked for the TDCJ for approximately 25 years and boasted an exemplary employment record. In November 2011, he cooperated with an agency investigation into James.

“The retaliation by Warden James began after that, and it has caused him to be demoted from a Captain to a Sergeant, suffer loss in wages, loss of preferred hours/schedule, loss of his assignment to a preferred unit, placement on disciplinary probation and has slandered his reputation,” the suit states.

The suit accuses the defendants of unlawful employment practices, retaliation for refusing to commit an illegal act and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Turano is suing for the damage caused to his reputation, reinstatement of his rank, lost earnings and emotional pain and mental anguish.

Port Arthur attorney Brandon Monk represents him.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 6oth District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. B193-814