OCEANSIDE — A police sergeant has filed a lawsuit against the Oceanside Police Department, alleging colleagues and supervisors discriminated against him after learning he is gay.
Oceanside City Attorney John Mullen said the city takes the allegations seriously and has launched an internal investigation.
Sgt. Tyler Peppard, who joined the department in 2016, filed the lawsuit in November. He claims he faced mistreatment from coworkers and supervisors after his sexual orientation became known.
“He was naturally a little trepidatious about what might happen if people at work found out,” the lawsuit states. “To his dismay, everything changed at work once his sexuality became known to his coworkers and management.”
Peppard, who is now openly gay, said he initially kept his sexuality private, fearing adverse reactions. The lawsuit describes Peppard as the youngest sergeant in the department and says he began to “stand out as a high performer” early in his career.
Six months into his training, Peppard’s partner revealed his sexuality to the department. Peppard said he noticed an “instant shift” in his treatment.
The lawsuit alleges Peppard’s direct supervisor made discriminatory remarks during a 2017 performance review.
“Your dad is probably disappointed and embarrassed. He probably would prefer you to turn in your badge and gun,” the supervisor allegedly told Peppard. “You need more life experiences since you have only lived at your parents’ house, although your mom did just have your brother, which is piss-poor planning if you ask me.”
Peppard, a second-generation officer inspired by his father’s career, said he wanted to “protect and serve” his community. When he questioned the supervisor’s remarks, the lawsuit alleges that a field training officer told him to “shut the f*** up.”
Afterward, Peppard’s performance ratings reportedly dropped significantly, and he was recommended for termination. According to the lawsuit, Peppard’s father convinced the department to let him stay, and he later received consistent “above standards” reviews until 2023.
The lawsuit claims that a change in supervisors reignited the alleged discrimination. Peppard said colleagues left rotting food in his equipment bag, tampered with his SWAT ammunition, and subjected him to constant harassment.
“These attacks, varying in degree and manner, have intensified over time and are now occurring almost every day,” the lawsuit states. “It got so bad that Sgt. Peppard was anxious to eat food that may have been out of his sight for even just an instant, for fear that his colleagues would try to alter his food.”
Peppard alleges the harassment also hindered his chances for advancement.
As a probationary sergeant, Peppard was expected to complete a 180-day trial supervising officers. However, the lawsuit claims his probation was cut short because his patrol division captain “didn’t trust” him and viewed him as a liability.
In May, Peppard was placed on probation for alleged performance issues, including writeups related to “communication” problems, such as not responding to a text immediately or turning away mid-conversation with a superior. Peppard denies these claims.
The lawsuit also alleges that managers linked to the Baptist denomination “rekindled their vendetta” against Peppard as the only openly gay officer in the department.
In October, Peppard sought medical leave after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder related to the alleged harassment.
“He continues to struggle with emotional distress as a result of his employment, including without limitation, stress, anxiety, fear, anger, feelings of isolation and oppression, depression, problems with relationships, and the development of an eating disorder,” the lawsuit states.
Peppard seeks damages for lost wages, litigation costs and other relief.
Peppard’s attorney, Dante Pride of The Pride Law Firm, told CBS 8 that additional incidents will surface during the discovery process.
“I don’t know how I would feel if the person who I have to report to, the person in charge of my paycheck, in charge of my hours, basically in charge of my life, tells me that they believe my parents should be ashamed because of my sexuality,” Pride told CBS 8.
