Drew Hearn, a veteran law enforcement officer, has filed a lawsuit against the Acting U.S. Attorney General, alleging racial discrimination by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on January 27, 2025. Hearn accuses DEA officials of engaging in discriminatory practices that led to the rescission of his employment offer as a Special Agent and ultimately his termination as a Task Force Officer.
Hearn, who has served with distinction in various capacities within Mississippi's law enforcement agencies, claims that DEA management engaged in discriminatory actions from June 2021 until his job offer was rescinded in August 2022. His termination followed on September 14, 2023. The plaintiff asserts that these actions were motivated by racial bias during polygraph examinations conducted by DEA employees, which he argues were flawed and unfairly administered due to his race.
The complaint details several instances of alleged misconduct during Hearn's polygraph examinations. Special Agent Kenneth Delgado is accused of conducting an incompetent examination on June 15, 2022, where he reportedly made critical errors and displayed racial animus. Special Agent Stephen Davis conducted a second examination on August 4, 2022, during which he allegedly made offensive comments and accused Hearn of using countermeasures to cheat the test. These accusations contributed to Hearn's disqualification from the position.
Hearn contends that the DEA failed to adhere to its own policies and procedures regarding polygraph examinations and review processes. He alleges that reviews were not conducted "blind" as required and that examiners had prior knowledge of his race and color. Furthermore, attempts to obtain demographic data related to polygraph examinees were denied by both the DEA and an administrative judge.
In response to these grievances, Hearn seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from the court. He requests back pay with interest for lost wages and benefits, reinstatement or front pay in lieu thereof, compensatory damages for emotional distress and reputational harm, punitive damages for reckless indifference to his rights, attorney’s fees, and costs associated with litigation.
Representing Drew Hearn is attorney Ronald K. Lospennato from New Orleans. The case is being heard under Case ID: 2:25-cv-00179 by an unnamed judge at this stage.