Jeffery Bell, head of the Broward International Union of Police Associations (IUPA) wants his job back. A veteran of the Broward Sheriffs Office for more than 25 years, Bell was fired by Tony in January after a laughable investigation into Bell’s misconduct. The notoriously thin-skinned Tony suspended Bell at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 after he complained there was a lack of protective equipment for deputies.

According to lawsuit, Bell, “In his capacity as Union President, complained publicly that the Sheriff has failed to provide a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment for members of the Union.”

But Bell’s suspension with pay was not enough for Tony. An Internal Affairs investigation into “unbecoming conduct” was launched.

Bell is seeking reinstatement to BSO as well as attorney’s fees.

Believing that Sheriff Tony “suppressed” his right to free speech, Bell wants a Federal Judge to declare that Tony violated the First Amendment.