SARASOTA, Florida - A former deputy, fired because of his problems with alcohol, is suing the Sarasota sheriff because he claims the office discriminated against him because of his alcoholism disability.
The nine-page federal suit claims Sgt. Clinton Knowles "had begun to suffer from the effects and condition of alcoholism a recognized disability or handicap" under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 as well as the Florida Civil Rights Act.
Only 10 Connects obtained Knowles' final Internal Affairs report from the Sarasota Sheriff's Office - a report that paints a picture of repeated alcohol abuse. Knowles was terminated in April 2008, two months after he harassed a pair of women off-duty at the Applebee's in North Port. In written statements, one of the women stated Knowles "smacked her on the butt," while another said he was "grabbing her thighs and arms as well."
Knowles stated that said he didn't remember the incidents and that he had a "propensity to blackout." Also contributing to his termination, the fact that his drinking often rendered him unavailable to perform his duties as a member of the S.W.A.T. team.
The lawsuit states that Knowles was discriminated against because his multiple requests for help from the Employee Assistance Program were either ignored or refused.
FloriduhI think he may win if he can prove that he asked for help. I don't agree with it, but I think he might win.
