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Former deputy sheriffs and court security officers joined together to sue Madison County Sheriff Nelson O’Donnell on Thursday.

The former employees allege O’Donnell terminated them due to his perception that they supported his opponent, Jerry Combs, and a candidate for Madison County Jailer that O’Donnell did not support.

Former employees, Evelyn M. Thomas, Derek A. Thomas, Nolan Winkler, and Randolph C. Worley, allege that they were terminated for political considerations and the exercise of their First Amendment rights.

Terminated on May 19, the employees are seeking reinstatement, back pay, and other damages for alleged violations of federal and state law as well as federal and state constitutional violations. They also allege that O’Donnell violated the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour laws by not compensating them properly for accrued compensatory time when they were terminated.

Vanessa Cantley, one of the attorneys for the former employees, commented: “In a speech to his employees following the terminations, O’Donnell denied any wrongdoing but stated that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is a “political office” and warned employees “you are going to be loyal to this office . . . and if you’re not, you’re not going to be here.” I think it is pretty clear from O’Donnell’s own words exactly why my clients were terminated.”