Former Deputy To Take Sheriff To Court

Whatcom County, Wash. -- A former deputy is planning to take Sheriff Bill Elfo to court.

Paul Murphy has filed a wrongful termination case against Elfo for relieving him of his position last June.

In 2010, Murphy was a member of a Facebook group that opposed Elfo’s re-election.

Murphy’s case contends that while he was dismissed for allegedly swapping out a county computer hard drive, he was actually let go in retaliation for his support of another candidate.

Murphy’s attorney Bob Butler says his client was asked to resign from his post in 2011, but refused.

Butler also says while Elfo legally has about four more weeks to respond to the claim, Murphy has been told the Sheriff’s Office will not negotiate.

If no agreement is made, Murphy plans to file the case in Washington Federal Court in Seattle seeking reinstatement and compensation for lost wages and benefits.

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