Former deputy sues over drinking disability

SARASOTA, Florida - A former deputy, fired because of his problems with alcohol, is suing the Sarasota sheriff because he claims the office discriminated against him because of his alcoholism disability.

The nine-page federal suit claims Sgt. Clinton Knowles "had begun to suffer from the effects and condition of alcoholism a recognized disability or handicap" under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 as well as the Florida Civil Rights Act.

Only 10 Connects obtained Knowles' final Internal Affairs report from the Sarasota Sheriff's Office - a report that paints a picture of repeated alcohol abuse. Knowles was terminated in April 2008, two months after he harassed a pair of women off-duty at the Applebee's in North Port. In written statements, one of the women stated Knowles "smacked her on the butt," while another said he was "grabbing her thighs and arms as well."

Knowles stated that said he didn't remember the incidents and that he had a "propensity to blackout." Also contributing to his termination, the fact that his drinking often rendered him unavailable to perform his duties as a member of the S.W.A.T. team.

The lawsuit states that Knowles was discriminated against because his multiple requests for help from the Employee Assistance Program were either ignored or refused.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 states that a person who is an alcoholic is "protected by the ADA if s/he is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job. An employer may be required to provide an accommodation to an alcoholic."

However, the ADA also says that "an employer can discipline, discharge or deny employment to an alcoholic whose use of alcohol adversely affects job performance or conduct."

Neither Knowles nor the Sarasota Sheriff's Office would comment on the case because it is in federal court, but if the plaintiff is victorious, it could cost taxpayers a great deal of money. He's suing for lost wages, attorney's fees, as well as other compensatory damages.

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