The Daily Mail reports that LA sheriff’s deputy Lina Pimental is suing after her boss Alex Villanueva’s wife Vivian Villanueva allegedly branded her a ‘bitch’ and a ‘c***’ for failing to recruit one of her unfit friends. Lina Pimental in the lawsuit said that her ‘career progression has now been effectively terminated because of Vivian Villanueva’s personal attacks on her.’
Many of the foul mouthed slurs and threats are said to have been made in full earshot of colleagues by Vivian, who also worked as a sheriff’s deputy until her retirement.
Pimental’s suit describes Vivian Villanueva’s expletive-laden tirades against her, beginning in March of 2020, after she claimed in her position as a recruit training officer that Natalie Garcia – a friend of Villanueva – was unqualified for a position with the office.
Garcia worked in the county jail, but failed her physical examination to join the sheriff’s department. Pimental – who had been a recruit training officer dating back to August 2019 – made that decision, allegedly sparking Vivian Villanueva’s fury.
‘In retaliation for Plaintiff dismissing her friend as unqualified, Villanueva reported to the Academy, and called Plaintiff a ‘c—‘ and a ‘b–h,’ the suit said. ‘Villanueva also made threats at Plaintiff’s workplace, warning others to keep Plaintiff away from her because, ‘f–k her,’ and ‘I will go off on that b—-h.’
The Sheriff’s office declined to comment on the allegations, citing pending litigation but issued a statement praising Alex Villanueva.
‘This lawsuit is another example of a sheriff who has little regard for his deputies and instead will always put his selfish self-interest first,’ said Alan Romero, an attorney representing Pimentel.
‘This gross example of nepotism, abuse of office and workplace harassment has been ratified by current Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who allows his wife to call female deputies names … in the workplace,’ the suit states.
Flip to the next page for the court docs.