In April 2020, Berry, a Black officer, was terminated shortly after being elected as a city councilman in Winnsboro, LA. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) initially cited violation of Louisiana’s dual officeholding law as the reason for termination. When Berry demonstrated he was not in violation, OPSO changed the reason to violation of department policy. Berry filed a wrongful termination and retaliation lawsuit, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation for his prior EEOC complaint. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court’s dismissal, allowing Berry to proceed with his case. The court noted inconsistencies in OPSO’s reasons for termination and potential discriminatory actions, as similarly situated White employees were not terminated under similar circumstances. ([monroedispatchonline.com](https://www.monroedispatchonline.com/story/2023/01/19/news/golden-berrys-ouachita-parish-sheriffs-lawsuit/4087.html?utm_source=openai))
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