Alachua Sheriff's Office Appeals $15M Verdict, Calls It 'Runaway Jury'

Sheriff's office argues verdict was not supported by evidence and damages were 'astronomically excessive'

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:24am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the criminal investigation aspects of this case without depicting any violence or victims.The FDLE criminal investigation into the Alachua Sheriff's Office loomed large over the civil trial, though its ultimate findings remain unclear.Alachua Today

More than a year after a jury awarded Sgt. Kevin Davis $15 million in a high-profile discrimination and retaliation civil lawsuit, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office is now asking an appellate court to overturn or significantly reduce the verdict, arguing it was driven by improper evidence, flawed legal theories, and damages far exceeding what the law allows.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement agencies and employees who allege discrimination and retaliation, as well as the challenges in determining appropriate damage awards, especially when dealing with emotional distress claims without clear medical evidence.

The details

The Sheriff's Office appeal raises several independent bases for reversal, including arguing the verdict was not supported by legally sufficient evidence, challenging key evidentiary rulings, and asserting the $15 million in non-economic damages were 'astronomically excessive' and far outside the range supported by comparable cases. The appeal also argues Davis failed to prove his claims under the required Monell doctrine for suing the Sheriff in his official capacity.

  • The jury verdict was issued on February 7, 2025.
  • The Sheriff's Office filed its initial appeal brief on March 27, 2026.
  • Davis has 30 days to file an answer brief responding to the Sheriff's arguments.

The players

Alachua County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that is appealing the $15 million verdict against it.

Sgt. Kevin Davis

The plaintiff who was awarded $15 million in a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against the Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Chad Scott

The current sheriff of Alachua County who is leading the appeal of the $15 million verdict.

Bobi J. Frank

The attorney representing Sgt. Davis in the civil lawsuit.

Brandon Kutner

A former captain at the Alachua County Sheriff's Office who was granted immunity and provided statements to the FDLE investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The appellate court will determine whether to uphold the $15 million verdict, reduce the damages, or order a new trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing employee claims of discrimination and retaliation with the need for law enforcement agencies to make fair and lawful personnel decisions, as well as the difficulties in determining appropriate damage awards, especially for emotional distress claims without clear medical evidence.