BEAUMONT – In late September, the Ninth Court of Appeals will hear oral argument on whether a district judge erred by not dismissing a whistleblower suit brought against Jefferson County by one of its sergeants.
Cherisse Jackson filed suit under the Whistleblower Act, seeking a declaration that the county violated her rights under the Texas Constitution and Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Jackson, a correctional officer, was demoted on Sept. 23, 2015, court records show.
She also claims she was denied a promotion and further contends she was retaliated and discriminated against because she reported a racial comment and because she refused to lie about seeing a fellow correctional officer engage in a sexual relationship with a prisoner.
On appeal, the county is arguing the trial court erred by denying its plea to the jurisdiction and by failing to dismiss Jackson’s suit in its entirety.
Oral arguments have been slated for Sept. 28.
Chief Civil Attorney Kathleen Kennedy represents the county.
Missouri City attorney Larry Watts represents Jackson.
Judge Donald Floyd, 17nd District Court, is the trial court handling the case.
Jefferson County case No. E-197513
Appeals case No. 09-17-00197-CV