A Pinellas County detention deputy was fired Friday for harassing a fellow co-worker, discrimination, and creating a racially hostile work environment, officials said.
- Pinellas detention deputy accused of using racial slurs, harassing co-worker
- Deputy Jorge Lopez fired on April 20
- Lopez used "n-word" continuously while on the job
Deputy Jorge Lopez is accused of referring to his African American co-workers and the African American inmates as the "n-word."
The incident happened on Jan. 14 while Lopez was working in a maximum security housing area of the Pinellas County jail. Officials said Lopez initiated a conversation with a white co-worker and asked if an African American deputy who was assigned to the area, was currently on the floor.
According to investigators, Lopez told the white deputy, "Well there's a lot of "n-words" on this floor."
The white deputy told Lopez that he was offended by his inappropriate language and asked him to stop, but Lopez continued on and used the N-word multiple times, investigators said. Lopez then became aggressive toward the other deputy and called him a "n-word" and referred to him as an "inmate "n-word" lover," investigators said.
The deputy told Lopez multiple times to stop but Lopez continued with his inappropriate and derogatory behavior until the deputy left the room.
Witnesses also told investigators that Lopez referred to the inmates as "stupid 'n-words'," and said "the "n-words" behind the gates need to control themselves."
During the investigation, Lopez admitted to the allegations and admitted to using racial slurs while working at the jail.
The Administration Review Board determined the Lopez violated the Sheriff's Office policy and was terminated on April 20, 2018.