Jury finds for mom who says Hillsborough Sheriff's Office fired her over pregnancy

TAMPA — A jury on Thursday sided with a former employee of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office who accused the agency of firing her because she was pregnant.

Lisa Holland won a judgment of $90,000 against Sheriff David Gee for unlawful discrimination, her attorney said. She had worked as a data processing telecommunications technician from August 2003 to June 2007, according to her lawsuit.

After she became pregnant, Holland was demoted from a job that included travel to answering calls on a help desk, said Ryan Barack, her attorney.

"They told her that it was because she was pregnant," Barack said.

Supervisors returned Holland to her original position and requested information about work restrictions a month before firing her, he said.

Jurors found the Sheriff's Office should pay Holland $80,000 in back pay and $10,000 for pain and suffering.

Barack said the Sheriff's Office is expected to file post-trial motions, including a motion to set aside the jury's verdict.

Deputy Larry McKinnon, a sheriff's spokesman, said it was inappropriate to make a statement while issues are pending.

Barack said Holland, whose child is turning 3 soon, is happy with the verdict.

"The jury sent a message that you can't discriminate against a woman because she is pregnant," Barack said.