Former detention officer sues Boone County Sheriff’s Office
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A former detention officer and road deputy has sued the Boone County Sheriff’s Office for claims of discrimination and retaliation.
Raymond Scheeler is accusing the sheriff’s office of discrimination and retaliation in regards to his disability and interference and retaliation related to the Family and Medical Leave Act. The petition was filed in the Western District Court of Missouri on Tuesday.
The lawsuit alleges that Scheeler had worked for the sheriff’s office for 13 years, most recently as a detention officer and previously as a road deputy. It states that Scheeler had been diagnosed with a disability in 2011 in connection with his military service.
Court documents say that Scheeler suffered from a panic attack on Sept. 25, 2024, while at work “in a controlled environment, and the safety of the facility was not compromised.” It states that day was the first incident related to Scheeler’s disability that occurred at work.
The lawsuit claims that Scheeler requested for leave under the FMLA and disclosed his disability. He was terminated on Oct. 16, while he was on leave, the lawsuit claims.
Court documents allege that the sheriff’s office offered Scheeler a choice to take a demotion with a pay decreased or be terminated.
A sheriff’s office spokesman told ABC 17 News in an email that it does not comment on pending litigation.
