Former Kosciusko County Sheriff's deputy Chris Rager has filed notice with the county that he plans to file suit against Sheriff Kyle Dukes for retaliation and defamation.
The notice of tort claim was sent June 25 by Rager's attorney Daniel Pfeifer, of Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak, South Bend, to Dukes, County Council President Sue Ann Mitchell and County Commissioners President Cary Groninger.
The notice says the claim against Dukes began in January after Dukes took over leadership of the sheriff’s office.
"Prior to Sheriff Dukes taking over leadership, Christopher Rager ran against (Dukes) in the Republican Primary for the position of Kosciusko County Sheriff, but lost," the letter reads. "Once Sheriff Dukes took over his position, Christopher Rager has experienced a political retribution and has been singled out and disciplined."
Pfeifer claims these actions constitute a violation of the First Amendment.
Rager was suspended without pay for 14 days on May 14.
Pfeifer also says Rager's personal health information was given out in documents resulting from a Freedom of Information Act request, violating federal HIPAA laws.
"Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office and/or Kosciusko County by and through its employees failed to protect Christopher Rager's First Amendment Rights and his private health information, defamed him, and retaliated against him."
Rager is seeking damages in an amount adequate to compensate him for his losses as well as for the personal damages and lost wages he has incurred and will continue to incur in the future, according to the notice.
The county has 90 days to respond, otherwise a lawsuit will be filed.
Groninger said he's aware of the situation and the county will be seeking advice from their legal counsel.
