LAKE CHARLES — A Jefferson Parish man is suing the city of Jennings and its police chief, alleging he was fired due to his race.
Christopher Lehman filed a complaint June 7 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Lake Charles Division against Police Chief Todd A. D'Albor and the city of Jennings, alleging racial discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
According to the complaint, after nearly three years of employment as community service coordinator, Lehman a black reservist, was suspended for his investigation of an ongoing matter and subsequently terminated Dec. 31, 2015. In contrast, another reservist, a Caucasian male, was recommended and promoted to become full-time officer.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants subjected him to discrimination and disparate treatment and terminated his employment on the basis of his race. The suit says Lehman was deprived of his rights, privileges and/or immunities secured by the Constitution.
Lehman seeks a trial by jury, compensatory damages, attorney fees and back pay salary from date last worked, Sept. 9, 2015. He is represented by attorneys James E. Sudduth, III of Sudduth & Associates LLC in Lake Charles and James R. Morris of Morris Law Firm in Lake Charles.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Lake Charles Division Case number 2:16-cv-00783