Pinellas County Jail Deputy Fired For Using Racial Slurs

CLEARWATER, FL -- A detention deputy at the Pinellas County Jail,14400 49th St. N., Clearwater, was fired for harassing a fellow co-worker, discrimination and creating a racially hostile work environment.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Professional Standards Bureau Administrative Investigation Division investigation, on Jan. 14, Deputy Jorge Lopez, 30, was working in a maximum security housing area of the Pinellas County Jail when he initiated conversation with a white co-worker and inquired if black deputy who was assigned to the area was currently on the floor.

Investigators say Lopez told the white co-worker, "Well there's a lot of (racial slur) on this floor."

Witnesses told investigators that Lopez referred to the inmates as "stupid (racial slur,” and said "The (racial slur) behind the gates need to control themselves."

The white deputy told Lopez that he was offended by his inappropriate language. The deputy told Lopez not to use the word in his presence.

Investigators say Lopez repeated the word multiple times and directed his aggressive behavior toward the deputy, calling him "an inmate (racial slur) lover."

Investigators say the deputy told Lopez multiple times to stop but Lopez continued with the inappropriate and derogatory behavior.

Lopez's behavior continued until the co-worker left the room.

During the administrative investigation, Lopez admitted to allegations and using racial slurs while working at the jail prior to this incident.

The administrative review board determined that Lopez violated sheriff's office policy and he was terminated effective Friday, April 20.

Lopez was hired on March 24, 2014.

Image via Pinellas County Sheriff