Former deputy sues sheriff and county

In his federal lawsuit, Michael Williams claims he was libeled and slandered when prospective employers contacted the sheriff's department for references.

He's seeking more than $500,000 in damages, claiming he has been left suicidal and under a psychiatrist's care as a result of the experience.

"This guy is absolutely wrong. He was treated very fairly," Kirkland said, adding Williams resigned for "personal reasons" in 1998.

But Williams claims he had no choice but to resign because of the harassment and humiliation he was subjected to by Kirkland and others.

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