JEFFERSON COUNTY – A lawsuit has been brought against the city of Port Arthur seeking review of a decision by a commission that cost a police officer a promotion.
Jermey Lamont Houston filed suit against the city on July 23 in Jefferson County District Court. Cal Rutherford, Monique LeFlore and Mary Ann Reid are also named as defendants. They are also commissioners on the city’s Civil Service Commission.
According to the lawsuit, on June 23 the Port Arthur Police Department held an exam for the position of lieutenant. Three officers participated, Houston, Reid Row and Steven Davis.
Both Houston and Row socred an 87, with Davis scoring a 65. According to the collective bargaining agreement, in case of a tie the position to goes to the one with the most seniority, which is Houston.
However, Reid filed an appeal to the commission challenging a question marked wrong on his exam and won, prompting the litigation.
Houston is asking for finding that he is entitled to the position and is suing for exemplary damages.
Port Arthur attorney Langston Adams represents him.
Judge Baylor Wortham, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. D-200419