The Winston-Salem Journal reported that Sheriff Bill Schatzman denied the improper firing in response to a federal lawsuit.

 

Schatzman said he fired former Sgt. Michael T. Russell in 2010 because Russell was disloyal.

 

The Justice Department filed a complaint against Schatzman last month saying he fired Russell without cause after he bought $100 tickets in a motorcycle raffle by Davie Griffith, a former deputy running against Schatzman.

 

Russell denied supporting Griffith's campaign and said he just wanted to win a motorcycle.

 

.The complaint alleges Schatzman violated federal law prohibiting employers from discriminating against service members in job opportunities because of their military obligations.