Lawyer Sues Chester County, Alleging Civil Rights Violations

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A former Chester County assistant solicitor filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court here accusing the county of violating his civil rights when firing him because he complained that he was the target of racial discrimination.

Juan P. Sanchez, who identifies himself as Hispanic in the complaint, was fired from his job as an assistant county solicitor on April 6, 2021, according to the lawsuit.

Sanchez of Downingtown said that former Solicitor Nicole Forzato, who has since become a Chester County judge, initially praised Sanchez’s work, but later changed her opinion after he confided that he was discriminated against by other attorneys because of his race, according to the suit filed by Philadelphia attorney Lane J. Schiff.

Response

Chester County officials have reviewed the complaint and the allegations of discrimination are categorically denied, according to Rebecca Brain, county spokeswoman.

“The county does not and will not tolerate discrimination,” Brain said. “The county has the right to review, discipline and if warranted, terminate an employee as per the county HR policies, including those who are still within their probationary period."

Brain said decisions for terminating employment are based on performance and other non-discriminatory reasons, as the evidence in this matter will show.

According to the lawsuit:

• Forzato told Sanchez not to send emails to the other attorneys in cases he was involved with about racial bias.
• On March 26, 2021, Sanchez received a warning from Forzato and the county’s human resources office that he was not following county policies.
• Sanchez said he has suffered irreparable injury from losing his job on April 6, 2021.

Sanchez asked the court to determine that the county violated the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which covers discrimination in employment and other matters.

He is seeking an unspecified amount of compensation for back pay and pain and suffering.