Deputy John Smith filed a retaliation complaint in 2008, alleging he was punished after testifying in a federal discrimination lawsuit brought by three Hispanic deputies against the department. The lawsuit resulted in a nearly $1 million award to the plaintiffs. Smith’s complaint claimed that Captain Bill Michaelis retaliated against him for agreeing to testify, including taking disciplinary action against him. In 2011, Smith settled the dispute for $400,000 and policy changes at the agency.
[Return to blog post](https://watchaudits.com/deputy-john-smith-yellowstone-county-sheriffs-office/)
.
