Former Meck. County deputy sues sheriff [The Charlotte Observer]

May 29--A former Mecklenburg County deputy sheriff has filed suit against Sheriff Chipp Bailey, alleging he fired her for refusing to make contributions to or volunteer for his re-election campaign.

Former Deputy Sheriff Terri Young, a Mooresville resident, filed the lawsuit May 23.

The suit claims Bailey fired Young, whom it identifies as a "highly qualified and experienced Captain," on Dec. 6, 2010 after he won reelection over Republican opponent Christopher R. Hailey.

The suit also names Ohio Casualty Insurance Company, the surety on the bond that is under North Carolina law liable for Bailey's actions sheriff.

A late attempt to reach a spokeswoman for the sheriff Tuesday was unsuccessful.

During the 2010 campaign season, the suit alleges, a campaign worker for Bailey created a hostile working environment for Young, including calling her late at night to yell at her.

The campaign worker "also ordered Plaintiff to write up officers for trivial matters, such as fruit flies in the pod, mops being placed upside down or water left in mop buckets," according to the suit.

The suit calls Young's termination "a wrongful terminiation in violation of public policy and in violation of the Constitution of North Carolina."

Young seeks $5 million in compensatory damages for the loss of past and future earnings and benefits, past and future mental and empotional distress and past and future medical expenses.

She also asks for $10,000 in punitive damages.

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