BALCH SPRINGS - Former City of Balch Springs Deputy Marshal Norvis Harmon has filed a lawsuit against the City, citing the Texas Whistleblower Act.
BALCH SPRINGS - Former City of Balch Springs Deputy Marshal Norvis Harmon has filed a lawsuit against the City, citing the Texas Whistleblower Act.
The lawsuit, obtained by inForney.com, alleges that Harmon had made “reports of violations of law by agents and employees of Defendant, including good faith reports of Violations of law by supervisors Deputy City Marshal Agustin Saucedo and City Marshal Kevin Nance.”
The lawsuit continues to say, “C. After making reports of Violations of law, Harmon requested through Defendant’s regular procedures, and was granted, time off to take his mother to a medical appointment. D. When Harmon was not present for work on his approved day off, he was reprimanded by his supervisor, Agustin Saucedo, and he was told he could not take time off in the future. E. Harmon later reported that Saucedo’s instruction was a violation of the Family Medical Leave Act.”
The lawsuit alleges that Harmon suffered “retaliation” after making the reports. On November 16, 2021, Harmon was “constructively discharged” from the City of Balch Springs.
Following his discharge, Harmon sought to grieve his termination, but the City of Balch Springs refused to hear his grievances. On November 16, 2021, he was notified that “Defendant City considered his grievances to be finally denied, due to his termination of employment.”
The Whistleblower Claim
The lawsuit alleges that Harmon made “multiple good-faith” reports of violations of law to the appropriate authorities. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the City of Balch Springs “took adverse personnel actions against Harmon, including retaliation that amounted to a constructive discharge.”
The City of Balch Springs has been under media scrutiny regarding the City Council extending the City Manager's contract, who is scheduled to appear for Trial in Kaufman County next month.
The Harmon case is set for trial in Dallas County in May 2025.