Detroit, MI – A former Macomb County Sheriff’s sergeant, James Stanley, will soon receive a $250,000 payout following a decision by a federal appeals court. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati upheld the jury’s verdict that Stanley’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech had been violated through retaliation stemming from his support for a political opponent of Sheriff Anthony Wickersham.
The conflict dates back to the 2012 election when Stanley supported Wickersham’s rival. This led to a series of punitive measures against Stanley, culminating in his demotion. Although an arbitrator later reversed this demotion, the animosity did not end there. Stanley faced criminal charges on two separate occasions in 2018 for allegedly assaulting jail inmates. However, these charges were subsequently dismissed or resulted in acquittal, strengthening Stanley’s claims of targeted retaliation.
In 2019, Stanley took legal action against the county, claiming disparate treatment following his political actions. The jury’s decision in September 2023 sided with Stanley, agreeing that his rights had been compromised, a stance recently affirmed by the appellate court.
During the trial, evidence suggested that Sheriff Wickersham might have influenced the proceedings against Stanley. Testimonies revealed that Wickersham discussed the case with other officials, allegedly ensuring the charges against Stanley would not be dropped. However, Judge Jacob Femminineo of the 41B District Court in Clinton Township contradicted these claims, asserting that Wickersham never contacted him regarding Stanley’s cases.
The judges noted that the collective evidence pointed to a possible retaliatory policy against Stanley by his superiors, aimed at undermining him due to his lawsuit and political affiliations. This policy seemed evident through the varied treatment Stanley received compared to other department employees who faced similar investigations.
Sheriff Wickersham, who is up for re-election against Republican Terence Mekoski, has not commented on the court’s findings. The Sheriff was initially a defendant in the lawsuit but was later removed, although the appellate panel hinted at his possible involvement in setting a retaliatory agenda against Stanley.
The ordeal has taken a toll on Stanley’s career and personal life. Despite a temporary return to work, he eventually went on medical leave in February 2023. Following the cessation of his benefits in October 2023, Stanley was terminated in March. He had applied for medical retirement earlier the same year, which was approved in May.
At 44 years old and with 17 years of service, Stanley finds some solace in the court’s decision, which validates his long-held assertions of unfair treatment. This legal outcome not only underscores the challenges law enforcement officers might face when exercising their political rights but also emphasizes the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional protections against workplace retaliation.
The case serves as a potent reminder of the complexities entwined in public service sectors, where political dynamics and personal rights frequently collide.
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