Carthage, Texas — A second lawsuit has recently been lodged against Panola County Sheriff Cutter Clinton, deepening the controversy surrounding his office. The legal action asserts wrongful termination linked to political allegiances and puts a spotlight on the challenges of maintaining free speech within local law enforcement agencies.
Former telecommunications officer Staci Benedetti, who served from August 2019 until her dismissal on May 2, 2024, filed the lawsuit, claiming her termination was due to her support for Jeff Martin, a rival candidate in the March sheriff’s election. This case marks the second such allegation against Sheriff Clinton, following a similar lawsuit by Martin himself approximately one month prior.
Both lawsuits accuse Sheriff Clinton of violating constitutional rights, specifically the First Amendment protections surrounding free speech and expression. They allege that his retaliatory behavior not only undermined these fundamental rights but also caused significant personal and professional harm to those involved.
Detailing the incidents, Benedetti’s filing recounts multiple instances of alleged intimidation. One particular event she described occurred during an employee recognition ceremony, which was broadcasted on Facebook. According to Benedetti, Sheriff Clinton conspicuously avoided shaking her hand, as well as that of another female employee being honored. This action sparked conversations within the community about possible discriminatory attitudes held by the sheriff.
The tension escalated when Clinton allegedly approached Benedetti to discuss the circulating video, reacting negatively when Benedetti mentioned community talk around his behavior towards women. This interaction, where Clinton reportedly insisted he wasn’t apologizing after a contentious exchange, further exemplified the strained relations attributed to political affiliations within the department.
Moreover, the lawsuit claims that during the election period, Sheriff Clinton openly displayed his badge and firearm in a manner that might be perceived as intimidating near polling stations. This action led Benedetti to report his presence to a local commissioner, who acknowledged previous recommendations had been ignored by Clinton to avoid such activities.
Following her support for Martin’s campaign, Benedetti was abruptly dismissed by Chief Deputy David Gray, who cited a shift in direction desired by Sheriff Clinton as the only explanation. Her attempts to find similar employment thereafter were thwarted, she claims, by negative referrals from her previous office.
In the legal pursuit, Benedetti is seeking compensation for lost wages, both past and projected, as well as for emotional distress. Her case adds to a growing conversation about the implications of political partisanship in public service positions and the potential repercussions on career security and freedom of expression.
This case against Sheriff Clinton underscores a critical need for scrutiny and accountability in how law enforcement officials manage their departments and interact with employees, particularly during politically charged periods. The ongoing legal battles not only highlight the personal costs to those involved but also emphasize the broader implications for democratic principles within local government operations.