The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office has filed an appeal in an effort to decrease a $15 million verdict for racial discrimination awarded in early February to a former employee.
On Feb 7, an Alachua County jury unanimously awarded more than $15 million in damages and lost wages to Kevin Davis, a former sergeant who was found to have suffered racial discrimination under the administration of former Sheriff Clovis Watson Jr.
The six-person jury agreed that Davis, who is white, was passed over by Watson, who is Black, for promotions and transfers in favor of less-qualified Black officers.
“Today, the justice system worked. Justice is slow, but it works,” Davis’ attorney, Bobi Frank, told The Sun after the verdict was read.
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Attorney Wayne Evans, who represented the sheriff’s office, said the actions of Watson, who was not present when the verdict was announced, were not racial discrimination.
“This shows that this case is all about assumptions and people want to say and believe what they want to hear,” Evans said.
The Feb. 24 filing by the sheriff’s office includes transcripts of Davis’ testimony, closing arguments and the verdict form.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: ACSO files appeal following $15 million racial discrimination verdict
