Dona Ana sheriff files federal civil rights lawsuit

mexico mobile newsroom. abc-7 just learned the sheriff of dona ana county — enrique ki vigil — has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against two county commissioners: billy garrett and wayne hancock. the sheriff says he inherited an office that had been sorely neglected for years. he also claims he has lost deputies to other law enforcement agencies that pay better. vigil says that ever since he brought that up to commissioners, he has been the victim of retaliation. our new mexico mobile newsroom was at the tuesday’s commissioners court meeting when vigil accused elected leaders of trying to sabotage his office: sheriff vigil: “what trul disturbs me is that a select few members of this commission and the county administration continue to grasp at straws to hinder my department and devise plans to create smoke and mirror tactics to create diversions in other to either impede ongoing investigations or to discredit me or my office.” billy garrett “i want to be very clear. i have supported appropriate staffing and equipment and operational support, for the sheriff’s office. it’s an important function in the county. it’s not the only function in the county.” in his lawsuit, vigil says the commissioners have filed an unethical conduct complaint against him and their actions are a violation of his first amendment right to freedom of speech. the lawsuit states, quote: ” “defendants actions were motivated not by a desire to stop unethical conduct or any other legitimate reason.” “they were motivated solely by desire to retaliate against plaintiff for advocating for his department and for his outspoken criticism.” dona ana county attorney — nelson goodin — tells our new mexico mobile newsroom he has read the lawsuit, but he cannot comment on pending litigation.