A former employee of a Texas sheriff’s department has filed a lawsuit alleging sex discrimination and retaliation. Lisa McNiel, the plaintiff, submitted her complaint on November 26, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas against Hays County, represented by its Sheriff’s Department. The case highlights serious allegations of workplace discrimination and retaliatory actions following McNiel’s complaints about unfair treatment.
Lisa McNiel began her career with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office in 2006 and rose to the rank of Sergeant by 2023. However, she claims that after Lieutenant Ryan Hayden took over as her supervisor in December 2023, she faced unwarranted criticism and poor evaluations based on alleged complaints from deputies that were never previously communicated to her. According to McNiel, Lt. Hayden’s evaluation in March 2024 marked a stark contrast from her previous assessments, rating her poorly across several categories without providing specific examples or prior warnings. McNiel believes these actions were motivated by gender bias and were part of a broader pattern of discrimination against women who do not conform to traditional gender norms.
In response to what she perceived as an unjust work environment, McNiel filed a grievance on April 9, 2024, detailing instances where Lt. Hayden allegedly made derogatory comments about her leadership style and refused to substantiate claims against her with evidence. Despite this formal complaint process, McNiel asserts that no meaningful resolution was reached; instead, she was placed on a Developmental Action Plan (DAP) which she argues was improperly implemented and used as a tool for further retaliation.
McNiel’s legal action seeks redress for violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Texas Labor Code. She alleges that Hays County engaged in sex-based discrimination and retaliated against her for reporting such behavior. Her complaint outlines two primary causes: first, that she suffered adverse employment actions due to non-conformity with gender expectations; second, that these actions intensified after she reported discriminatory practices.
The relief sought by McNiel includes compensation for lost wages and benefits due to demotion from Sergeant to Deputy—a move she attributes directly to retaliatory motives following her EEOC charge filed on May 15, 2025. Additionally, she seeks compensatory damages for harm suffered professionally and personally due to the hostile work environment fostered by her superiors’ conduct.
Representing Lisa McNiel are attorneys Adam Poncio and Alan Braun from Poncio Law Offices in San Antonio. The case is being heard before Judge Ruben Becerra under Case ID 1:25-cv-1932.
Source: 125cv01932_Lisa_Mcniel_v_Hays_County_Complaint_Western_District_of_Texas.pdf
