Two officers and a former sergeant of the San Sebastián Municipal Police in Puerto Rico have sued the town and its mayor, Eladio Cardona Quiles, alleging retaliation and workplace discrimination. The suit, case number SS2026CV00820, was filed on October 12 in the Court of First Instance in Aguadilla by Carlos José Soto Rodríguez, José Valentín Ruiz and William González Ríos.
They seek at least $748,000 in damages and economic losses. According to reports, Soto Rodríguez alleges discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Valentín Ruiz says he was removed from his job for political reasons and in retaliation for his complaints.
González Ríos reports that accommodations for his health conditions and religious beliefs were not honored. The plaintiffs allege the mayor knew of these situations and took no corrective action. Besides damages, they seek other remedies, including reinstatement of Valentín Ruiz and compliance with the accommodations for González Ríos.