Denton County deputy claims termination part of scheme to promote female

SHERMAN - A former Denton County chief deputy has filed a lawsuit against the county claiming that he was terminated due to a scheme to advance a female deputy.

Richard Tackett filed suit against Denton County on Sept. 16 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division. 

Tackett was employed by the defendant as a Denton County chief deputy for Precinct 3 for over 16 years. He reported to the elected Constable Jerry Raburn, who was solely responsible for the hiring, firing, discipline and policy making at Precinct 3.

In 2007, Raburn hired a young, female deputy, who was allegedly treated different from other deputies.  Tackett claims that many of his supervisory duties were removed and given to the female deputy.

“Since 2007, the work environment at the Constable’s office has deteriorated to a hostile and unbearable environment for the employees,” the lawsuit states.

While Tackett was out on approved medical leave for a foot injury, he received a termination letter that stated his medical leave had run out; when in fact he had two more weeks available, according to the lawsuit.

Tackett claims that his termination was part of the “on-going scheme to advance the female deputy,” the suit states.

The defendant is accused of employment discrimination, hostile work environment, disability discrimination and retaliation.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of actual damages, compensatory damages, special damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, court costs, interest and lost wages. A jury trial is requested.

Tackett is represented by Garland attorney Rhonda Cates.

U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell is assigned to the case.

Case No. 4:13-cv-00533