PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL — A former Palm Beach County deputy sheriff has filed a civil lawsuit against Sheriff Ric L. Bradshaw, alleging race discrimination, age discrimination and retaliation tied to internal complaints she made during her employment, according to a verified complaint filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court.
The lawsuit, Tracey Styles-Holman v. Ric L. Bradshaw, as Sheriff of Palm Beach County, was filed May 20, 2026, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County. The case number is 502026CA005713XXXAMB, Division AN. Styles-Holman is represented by Isidro M. Garcia of Garcia Law Firm, P.A., in West Palm Beach.
The complaint states that Styles-Holman worked as a deputy sheriff for more than 34 years before she was involuntarily transferred and later resigned. The lawsuit alleges she was constructively discharged after making written complaints and participating in investigations or inquiries involving her then-supervisor, Capt. Robert Tutko, and members of his command staff.
The allegations have not been proven in court. The filing reviewed does not include a response from Bradshaw or a defense attorney filing.
According to the complaint, Styles-Holman worked in the 3100 Corrections Court Security Division. The lawsuit claims she was subjected to an abusive and hostile work environment based on her race, age and seniority, and because she made protected disclosures.
The complaint alleges Tutko had been transferred into the division after prior harassment complaints in another unit. The filing also states that, in March 2022, 17 deputies assigned to the Corrections Court Division, including Styles-Holman, signed a letter to Bradshaw alleging harassment, bullying, race discrimination, age discrimination and issues involving inexperienced supervisors.
The lawsuit cites that letter as alleging that white deputies who were reprimanded or reallocated remained in the Corrections Court Security Division, while African American deputies who were reprimanded or reallocated were reassigned to other divisions. The complaint also says the letter alleged that sergeants were asked during interviews whether they would have a problem writing up senior deputies.
The filing says PBSO’s internal review of that complaint found insufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove it. The lawsuit also claims Styles-Holman filed another Internal Affairs complaint in November 2023 alleging workplace harassment based on her age and race. According to the complaint, that investigation also ended with a finding that the review failed to disclose sufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the complaint.
Styles-Holman alleges that after her complaints and participation in internal investigations, she was involuntarily transferred on October 16, 2024, to work exclusively at the Main Courthouse. The complaint claims the transfer affected her hours and schedule and was a form of retaliation.
The lawsuit says Styles-Holman filed an inter-office memorandum on October 30, 2024, alleging retaliation tied to her protected disclosures. The complaint states she resigned on December 19, 2024, with an effective date of January 3, 2025, which the lawsuit characterizes as a constructive discharge.
The complaint brings three counts under the Florida Civil Rights Act: race discrimination, age discrimination and retaliation. Styles-Holman claims she suffered lost pay, lost wages and benefits, mental anguish, humiliation, adverse health effects from job-related stress, loss of reputation, loss of self-esteem, loss of enjoyment of life and other alleged damages.
The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $50,000, lost wages and benefits, compensatory damages, attorney’s fees and costs, reinstatement to her prior position or front pay, prejudgment interest and declaratory relief. Styles-Holman also demands a jury trial.
Boca Post reviewed the verified complaint, Tracey Styles-Holman v. Ric L. Bradshaw, as Sheriff of Palm Beach County, Case No. 502026CA005713XXXAMB, filed May 20, 2026, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County.
The case is pending in Palm Beach County civil court. The complaint reviewed by Boca Post does not include a defendant response, and no hearing date was listed in the provided filing.
Boca Post monitors civil filings submitted in Palm Beach County courts as part of its legal desk reporting. Readers can browse recent cases in our Boca Raton lawsuits coverage.
