Ex-Precinct 3 Employee Sues Craig, County Over Firing, Medical Leave

A former Young County employee is suing the County and Precinct 3 Commissioner Alan Craig, alleging violations of federal employment laws tied to medical leave and disability. The lawsuit, filed in July in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Wichita Falls, is set for a September 2026 trial.

Allen Rodgers, who began working for the county in 2014 and rose to the title of foreman at the Precinct 3 yard, claims he was demoted, denied accommodations, subjected to hostility, and ultimately fired in retaliation for invoking his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the Texas Labor Code.

Mr. Rodgers alleges in his lawsuit that one day after Mr. Craig was sworn in as commissioner in 2024, he was demoted and Mr. Craig assumed the foreman role himself. According to Mr. Rodgers’ complaint, he informed county officials in late 2024 that he required knee replacement surgery and, in February 2025, presented a doctor’s note restricting him from operating heavy machinery while on prescription pain medications. He claims he filed for FMLA leave but was terminated on Feb. 25 without discussion of accommodations.

“Defendants failed to engage in a good-faith interactive process to identify and implement reasonable accommodations,” Mr. Rodgers’ lawsuit states. “Defendants unlawfully discharged Rodgers because of his disability and need for reasonable accommodation.”

The County, in its response, denied the allegations and said Mr. Rodgers’ dismissal was based on “legitimate, non-discriminatory, and non-retaliatory reasons,” including performance and conduct issues. County attorneys allege Mr. Rodgers misrepresented information to maintain his employment and was unfit for leadership. They further argue his medical condition posed a safety risk that could not be mitigated.

“The FMLA leave was a material component of a plan to defraud Young County,” the County’s filing states.

The County acknowledged that Mr. Rodgers filed FMLA paperwork but denied it was tied to a serious health condition. It also confirmed his termination date but rejected claims that it was linked to his medical leave.

Mr. Rodgers is seeking lost wages, benefits, emotional distress damages, and liquidated damages. He has requested a jury trial, which is currently scheduled on the Wichita Falls docket beginning Sept. 28, 2026.