A legal dispute has emerged over whether a local government employer can restrict employees from speaking publicly about workplace concerns, following the termination of a corrections deputy who raised issues about jail conditions and posted about them on social media. The complaint was filed by Shelby Tribble in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on March 15, 2026, naming Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department as defendants.
According to court documents, Shelby Tribble began working as a Sheriff’s Deputy at the Genesee County Jail in February 2024. She claims that she performed her job well throughout her employment. In June 2024, Tribble reported concerns to shift command regarding overcrowding in the Female Housing Unit of the jail, which she alleges was in violation of several laws, rules, and regulations. Despite available space elsewhere in the facility, Tribble states that no action was taken to address these concerns because relocating female inmates would have displaced participants in another program within the jail.
The complaint outlines that by October or November 2024, Tribble again reported that female housing was nearly double its intended capacity and described staffing levels as inadequate for maintaining safety for both staff and inmates. During this period, she also made posts on social media addressing what she describes as issues of public concern related to jail operations.
Tribble alleges that on or about December 6, 2024, she was terminated from her position as a result of these actions. Central to her lawsuit is a section of the sheriff’s office work rules labeled “CRITICISM,” which prohibits employees from making public statements—verbal or written—that criticize or ridicule the Sheriff’s Office when such statements could bring it into disrepute or impair its operation. The policy also bans statements deemed defamatory, obscene, unlawful, or showing reckless disregard for truth.
The plaintiff contends that this policy is unconstitutional as it acts as a prior restraint on speech protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. “Plaintiff submits that in its present form, the above policy is unconstitutional,” states the filing. It further argues that “the speech in which Deputy Shelby Tribble engaged was speech which is protected under the First Amendment” because it involved matters of public concern such as policies and practices at the county jail.
Tribble asserts that her interest in raising these issues outweighs any interest claimed by her employer in promoting efficiency within public service roles. The complaint claims: “Because the aforedescribed policy adopted by Defendants prohibits correctional deputies’ from speaking about matters of public concern…the subject policy is unconstitutional.” It adds: “Defendant’s decision to take adverse employment actions against Plaintiff because Plaintiff spoke on social media about matters of public concern constitutes a violation of Plaintiff’s First Amendment right to free speech.”
As relief from the court, Tribble seeks judgment against Genesee County and its sheriff’s department for damages including loss of earnings and benefits, emotional distress, anxiety, attorney fees and costs. She also requests interest as part of any awarded judgment.
The lawsuit includes a demand for trial by jury on all triable matters. Cristine Wasserman of Law Office of Cris Wasserman represents Shelby Tribble in this case (Case No.: 2:26-cv-10858-LJM-Cl).
Source: 226cv10858_Shelby_Tribble_v_Genesee_County_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
