Alachua

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Seeks to Overturn $15 Million Racial Discrimination Verdict as Judge Upholds Key Awards

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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 … Read more

Judge Upholds $15 Million Racial Discrimination Verdict Against Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Denies Appeals for Retrial and Reduced Damages

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A local judge has refused to grant the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office a new trial or to reduce a $15 million jury award in a racial discrimination case that concluded in February. The decision came after a court hearing on Tuesday, during which Sheriff Chad Scott and his legal team argued the jury’s findings were not supported by credible evidence. Wes Gay, the attorney representing the sheriff’s office, claimed that no reasonable jury would have sided with the allegations of retaliation or discrimination, contending that the jury’s decision was influenced by emotional … Read more

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Challenges $15 Million Jury Award in Sergeant’s Discrimination Case

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Gainesville, Fla. – A significant legal battle is unfolding in Alachua County as the Sheriff’s Office seeks to overturn a $15 million jury verdict awarded to Sergeant Kevin Davis. The verdict, handed down in early February, is now subject to motions filed this week by the Sheriff’s Office urging the court to either dismiss the jury’s decision, request a new trial, or direct a verdict in their favor. The argument presented by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office hinges on claims that the $15 million award is “grossly disproportionate” and “outrageous,” far exceeding reasonable compensation for … Read more

$15 Million Racial Discrimination Verdict Shocks Alachua County in Case Against Sheriff’s Office

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a notable legal decision, a predominantly white jury awarded over $15 million to Kevin Davis, a sergeant with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, after he accused his employer of racial discrimination. This conclusion followed a weeklong trial filled with contentious debates over promotional practices within the sheriff’s office. During the proceedings, Davis was awarded $115,724 in compensation for lost wages, which economic expert David Macpherson testified he would have earned if promoted. Interestingly, the jury decided against awarding Davis $54,545 in lost pension benefits that Macpherson also estimated Davis had forfeited … Read more