Former deputy files lawsuit

A former Quay County sheriff’s deputy filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the county’s commissioners, saying he was wrongfully fired in August and alleging a conflict of interest by the county’s attorney.

Christopher Valdez, a Quay County resident, filed the three-page suit March 17 in Tucumcari district court against the commissioners.

The county’s attorney, Warren Frost, and District Attorney Timothy Rose weren’t specifically named but identified in the lawsuit.

Both criticized the complaint when contacted by the Quay County Sun.

Rose said in an email the allegations “are complete nonsense.”

Frost stated in an email: “The Sheriff fired Mr. Valdez; I was not involved in that decision in any way. I am confident that Sheriff Shafer acted appropriately and in the best interest of the County, and we will demonstrate that in defending against this frivolous suit.”

Donald Gilpin of the Gilpin Law Firm in Albuquerque is representing Valdez.

According to the lawsuit, Valdez began working for the sheriff’s office in 2017 as a deputy and investigated narcotics cases.

Valdez stated he became aware Frost, identified as the father-in-law of Rose, represented defendants in narcotics cases.

“Plaintiff felt pressured by the District Attorney to treat Defendants who were represented by the County Attorney to drop charges and agree to lighter sentences,” the suit states.

Valdez stated he reported his concerns in August 2018 to the sheriff, Russell Shafer, and requested a complaint be made to the New Mexico attorney general. Valdez said Shafer filed the complaint as requested.

“From that point the District Attorney requested numerous investigations against the Plaintiff,” the state states. Three outside investigators found no wrongdoing by Valdez in one incident.

In August 2019, Valdez said he was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the county attorney and district attorney. Six days later, Valdez was fired and was told he didn’t serve a subpoena in a timely manner.

Valdez said he suffered lost wages and benefits, plus emotional distress, consequential damages and attorneys fees “due to Defendant’s wrongful conduct.”

Valdez also alleges violations of the New Mexico Whistleblower Protection Act of “unethical and illegal conduct” and “non-compliance with federal and state statutes involving narcotics.” Valdez said his firing was retaliation.

Valdez said he’s seeking damages for lost wages, lost benefits, emotional stress, consequential damages and special damages because of wrongful conduct. He also seeks reinstatement to his deputy position with seniority.