A former employee of a county sheriff’s department is taking legal action against his previous employer, alleging wrongful termination due to disability discrimination. Janerio West filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on December 22, 2025, accusing Wayne County of violating his civil rights under both federal and state law.
West’s lawsuit stems from his employment as a Sheriff Deputy with Wayne County, where he claims he was discriminated against because of his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). According to the complaint, West disclosed his PTSD during the hiring process and was cleared for duty. However, shortly after starting his role in September 2023, concerns were raised by a supervisor regarding his ability to perform due to his condition. Despite successfully completing a Fitness for Duty Assessment and receiving positive evaluations from counselors, West alleges that Wayne County terminated him on October 26, 2023. He believes this decision was made without engaging in an interactive process to accommodate his disability as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA).
The complaint details how West filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on March 14, 2024, which resulted in a Right to Sue letter issued on September 23, 2025. The EEOC’s determination supports West’s claim that Wayne County failed to provide reasonable accommodation or engage in necessary procedures to address his needs related to PTSD. The lawsuit accuses Wayne County of maintaining discriminatory policies and failing to train its employees on ADA requirements.
West seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 along with exemplary and punitive damages. He also requests coverage for attorney fees and litigation costs. His attorney, James B. Rasor of Rasor Law Firm PLLC based in Royal Oak, Michigan, argues that Wayne County’s actions were conducted with malice or reckless indifference towards West’s federally protected rights.
This case is being overseen by Judge [Name not provided] under Case ID: 2:25-cv-14119-JJCG-KGA. The plaintiff is represented by James B. Rasor from Rasor Law Firm PLLC.
Source: 225cv14119_Janerio_West_v_Wayne_County_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
