WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

POINT PLEASANT - An ex-undercover officer is suing the Mason County Sheriff's Department for discrimination.

Eric Lynch filed a lawsuit Dec. 9 in the Mason County Circuit Court against Mason County Commission, Mason County Sheriff's Office, David Anthony, individually and in his capacity as the former sheriff of Mason County, and Jeff Fields, individually and in his capacity and chief deputy, citing discriminatory and wrongful discharge.

According to the complaint, Lynch was employed with the Mason County Sheriff's Office for four years and served in plain clothes to conduct drug intervention and investigations.

He says as part of his job, he was given the use of a gasoline credit card and was authorized to use his personal vehicles in undercover investigations.

Lynch says he was investigated for his use of the credit card as though he was never authorized to use the card in the first place, although he had been authorized to use it for undercover purposes. The complaint alleges the defendants wanted to get rid of Lynch because he is African American.

Lynch is seeking an undisclosed amount of damages. He is being represented in the case by attorney Todd W. Reed.

Mason County Circuit Court Civil Action No. 13-C-175