CLEARWATER – A former officer for the St. Petersburg Police Department, who is of Hispanic descent, alleges that he was subjected to discriminatory treatment.
Richard Miranda filed a complaint on May 9 in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - Pinellas County against the city of St. Petersburg and individuals Anthony Holloway, Karen Eichler, Candace Marklin, William Burris and Luke Williams alleging that the defendants violated the Florida's Public Whistleblower Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Sept. 9, 2007, he was sworn in as a St. Petersburg Police Department officer and was responsible for training probationary officers. During his employment, plaintiff alleges he was subjected to racial discrimination and received inappropriate and disrespectful actions that included removal from meetings, removal of incentive pay and denial to conduct training. He alleges he was eventually terminated plaintiff in March after he filed charges to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The plaintiff holds city of St. Petersburg, and individuals Holloway, Eichler, Marklin, Burris and Williams responsible because the indivdual defendants allegedly agreed, conspired, combined or confederated together to discharge plaintiff from his position.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks to award for actual, economic and compensatory damages, all applicable interest, costs, and such other relief as is just and equitable. He is represented by Patrice A. Pucci of Patrice A. Pucci PA in St. Petersburg.
6th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - Pinellas County Case number 17-002882-CI