San Sebastián Mayor sued by three municipal police officers

Three municipal police officers in San Sebastián have filed a civil lawsuit against the municipality and Mayor Eladio Cardona Quiles, alleging discrimination, workplace harassment, retaliation, and civil rights violations. The plaintiffs, Carlos José Soto Rodríguez, José Valentín Ruiz, and William González Ríos, are seeking estimated damages of $748,000.

The lawsuit, filed in the Aguadilla Court of First Instance, details various allegations of misconduct. Carlos José Soto Rodríguez claims he faced discrimination based on his sexual orientation, including offensive comments regarding his personal relationships and targeted humiliation during a precinct relocation. He also alleges he faced retaliation, such as temporary suspension and the removal of his official motorcycle, after filing a formal complaint.

José Valentín Ruiz, a former sergeant, alleges he was terminated due to political affiliations and in retaliation for reporting superior officers. Meanwhile, William González Ríos, a veteran with nearly 28 years of service, claims the municipality failed to honor reasonable accommodations related to his medical conditions and religious beliefs.