The Muskogee County Board of Commissioners has authorized a settlement of up to $10,000 in a lawsuit filed by a former sheriff's deputy who disputed overtime pay.
The Muskogee Phoenix reports the commissioners made the authorization on Monday.
Former deputy Fred Winters named the board of commissioners and Sheriff Charles Pearson as defendants in two lawsuits. One suit was filed in state court and the other was filed in federal court. Winters' claim stems from a dispute in January 2010 involving compensation for time he worked when he was supposed to be off duty. The lawsuit said that was a violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
Winters also filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, alleging retaliation in violation of public policy.