GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to overturn a substantial jury verdict in a racial discrimination suit involving former Sheriff Clovis Watson Jr. The verdict, which amounts to $15 million, followed claims by Sgt. Kevin Davis that he was denied promotions due to his race.
In a motion presented to Judge Gloria Walker, who oversaw the trial, attorneys for the sheriff’s office and Watson requested either a revision of the financial compensation or the scheduling of a new trial altogether. The motion to initiate a new trial was ultimately denied by Walker, although she did adjust the original award regarding lost wages from $115,000 down to $16,000.
The jury’s decision to award Davis $15 million was more than double the amount he initially sought. Davis contended that his race played a significant role in career promotions being unjustly withheld, which sparked considerable attention during the trial.
The call for a new trial has been met with advocacy from the defense. J. Wes Gay, the attorney representing the sheriff’s office, articulated that revising the payout for emotional distress would be suitable, particularly following the denial of their motion for a new trial.
Despite the reduction in the lost wages component, Davis’s legal team considers the judge’s ruling a victory. Brandon Vesely, an attorney for Davis, emphasized the bravery of his client in speaking out about the perceived disparities in the workplace. He remarked that Davis’s advocacy for his colleagues led to unfavorable repercussions from Sheriff Watson, marking a significant turning point in Davis’s relationship with the sheriff’s office.
The developments in this case reflect broader discussions around race and discrimination within law enforcement agencies. This suit adds to a growing scrutiny over how such organizations manage internal equity and address claims of bias.
The implications of the case continue to unfold, as the Sheriff’s Office explores its next steps in light of the jury’s decision and the judicial rulings that followed.
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