LAWSUIT: Ex-Jacksonville Police Sergeant Claims Cover-Up, Retaliation

JACKSONVILLE, Texas (TXAN 24) – A former sergeant with the Jacksonville Police Department (JPD) has filed a federal lawsuit accusing city officials of retaliation and misconduct, claiming her efforts to expose corruption were met with threats and unlawful actions.

Dina Wilde, who served in the department from 2016 until her forced resignation in late 2024, is challenging the City of Jacksonville and its leaders in court, alleging violations of the Texas Whistleblower Act, her First Amendment rights, and a breach of her resignation settlement agreement.

The Allegations

Wilde’s claims paint a disturbing picture of a city leadership more concerned with protecting its own than upholding accountability within its police force.

The former sergeant alleges that after she reported misconduct by then-police chief Joe Williams—including claims that he misused his authority and engaged in an affair with a subordinate—she became the target of retaliation by city officials.

Rather than investigating the alleged misconduct, Wilde claims that her whistleblowing efforts led to a series of fabricated internal investigations, false accusations, and threats to end her law enforcement career. Wilde’s suit alleges that the retaliatory actions ultimately forced her to resign under duress.

Legal Claims and Details

In her lawsuit, Wilde outlines three primary claims:

• Whistleblower Retaliation: Wilde asserts that the City of Jacksonville violated the Texas Whistleblower Act, which protects public employees from retaliation when reporting illegal activities.

According to her legal team, Wilde faced significant adverse actions as a direct result of her decision to report wrongdoing within the police department.

• First Amendment Violations: Wilde claims her right to free speech was suppressed, and she was punished for exercising it by bringing the alleged misconduct to light.

She argues that her whistleblowing was a protected action under the U.S. Constitution, and the city’s retaliation violated her First Amendment rights.

• Breach of Contract: Wilde also claims that the city violated a settlement agreement she had entered into upon her resignation.

The agreement promised that no negative statements would be made about her, and her personnel records would remain untainted.

However, Wilde alleges that city officials, including city manager James Hubbard and former police chief Williams, made defamatory remarks that severely damaged her reputation and hindered her career prospects.

Damaging Actions and Allegations of Corruption

Wilde’s lawsuit goes further, detailing how her reputation was targeted by defamatory statements made by city officials.

These actions included a false negative reference provided by Williams to a potential employer and public comments from Hubbard designed to discredit her.

Wilde contends that these actions were part of a deliberate effort to ruin her career and ensure that she would not work again in law enforcement.

The suit also highlights broader concerns about governance and accountability within Jacksonville’s public institutions.

Wilde’s claims suggest that the city’s leadership, rather than addressing misconduct, has fostered a culture of retaliation that shields individuals in power from scrutiny.

Relief Sought

Wilde is seeking compensation for damages that include lost wages, emotional distress, and harm to her professional reputation.

Additionally, she is asking the court to nullify the settlement agreement she signed upon her resignation, which she claims was violated. Wilde is requesting that her employment records be cleared and her position be reinstated with back pay.

Her legal team is also pursuing civil penalties under the Texas Whistleblower Act for the retaliation and unlawful actions taken by the defendants.

Implications for Jacksonville’s Leadership

The lawsuit has the potential to shine a spotlight on the culture of secrecy and retaliation within the Jacksonville Police Department and local government.

If Wilde’s claims are proven true, this case could serve as a wake-up call for other public institutions about the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring accountability in leadership roles.

The case also highlights the dangers of allowing individuals in positions of power to avoid scrutiny by punishing those who seek to expose misconduct.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial to follow the developments of this case closely, as it could have far-reaching implications for both public employees and the integrity of local government agencies.

Wilde’s legal battle is not just about one individual’s fight for justice; it’s a broader challenge to ensure transparency and fairness in how public institutions operate.

Wilde’s whistleblower lawsuit against the City of Jacksonville and its officials is a significant legal battle with the potential to expose deep-rooted corruption within the city’s leadership.

As the case progresses, it will test the strength of legal protections for whistleblowers and may prompt a larger conversation about ethical governance and the need for more robust safeguards against retaliation.

This case is not just about one person’s grievances—it represents a critical test of the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness in public service.