A Black former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy is suing the department for damages and reinstatement, alleging he was terminated in 2024 on criminal charges for which he was acquitted earlier this year.
Ex-Deputy Brandon Michael Garmon also names Sheriff Robert Luna and other department individuals as defendants in the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit filed Thursday that alleges racial discrimination, failure to prevent discrimination, equal protection and malicious prosecution.
An LASD representative issued a statement Friday regarding the suit.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has not yet been formally served with this lawsuit, but the department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously,” the statement read. “Any form of discrimination, harassment or retaliation is strictly prohibited and constitutes a clear violation of department policy and our core values.”
The District Attorney’s Office in April 2023 charged Garmon with possessing an AR-15 rifle as well as tracer ammunition. He was suspended without pay in May 2023 and terminated in July 2024, according to the suit, which further states that the criminal case concluded with a jury acquittal of the plaintiff on both counts on Oct. 14 of this year.
Garmon alleges the county intentionally discriminated against him because of his race and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the disparate treatment. Garmon seeks reinstatement or, if reinstatement is impracticable, front and back pay with benefits, general damages and punitive damages on some claims against the individual defendants.
Garmon was hired in November 2012, completed jail operations training in March 2013 and received multiple commendations, according to the suit, which also states that he had no prior discipline on his record.
In its letter of discharge, the LASD contended that Garmon “knowingly fraternized” or maintained personal relationships with documented gang members. Garmon denied the allegations.
Garmon has suffered lost wages and benefits, loss of seniority and career advancement and emotional distress and he continues to face reputational and employment harm, the suit alleges.