Jurors have awarded a former Dona Ana County worker more than $250,000 as part of a verdict against the county.
Former Public Works Director Jorge Granados and his family shed tears as the decision was announced Wednesday.
Granados says he wanted to give a voice to employees who have been retaliated against.
Jurors found the county had created a hostile work environment for Granados and retaliated against him for his efforts in reporting discrimination alleged by another worker.
Jurors awarded Granados more than $60,000 for lost wages and benefits stemming from the six months he was out of work after being fired in June 2010. Another $190,000 was awarded for emotional distress.
The county's contract attorney said he wasn't authorized to comment.
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Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.