The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is being sued by two veteran employees who allege sexual discrimination after they say they were passed over for promotions due to their sex.
In the case before U.S. District Judge Paul Moloney, Thomas Dyer and Roger Johnson claim they were repeatedly denied promotions and specialty assignments because they are male. Named in the suit are former Sheriff Paul Bailey and current Sheriff Chuck Heit.
The dispute stems largely from a 2020 decision to create a “deputy investigator” position in the detective unit and assign it to a female deputy. Both were sergeants at the time and say former Sheriff Paul Bailey told them he wanted a female for the role. The lawsuit further alleges Dyer and Johnson were passed over for additional promotions after raising concerns internally and filing complaints.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department website currently has both Dyer and Johnson listed as lieutenants.
The sheriff’s department has released a statement saying, “We view these claims as without merit and look forward to demonstrating that in court. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to fair and equitable treatment of all employees, and we do not tolerate discrimination in any form.”
The sheriff’s department’s full statement:
“The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office denies the allegations in this lawsuit and we are confident it will be resolved in the County’s favor. We view these claims as without merit and look forward to demonstrating that in court. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to fair and equitable treatment of all employees, and we do not tolerate discrimination in any form. Because this matter is pending in litigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on the specific allegations at this time, but we will vigorously defend this action through the legal process.”
