A dedicated correctional officer is taking legal action against a state department, alleging discrimination due to his military service. Marc Boone filed a complaint on February 17, 2026, in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Boone accuses the CDCR of violating federal laws designed to protect military reservists from employment discrimination.
The lawsuit revolves around events that began on December 2, 2022, when Boone was instructed by Sgt. Harper, an employee of the CDCR, to perform mandatory overtime for medical transport. Boone explained he had a pre-scheduled military drill and arranged a shift swap with another officer—a practice he had followed without issue for three years. Despite this arrangement, Sgt. Harper reported Boone for disciplinary action. The situation escalated when Mayme Simpson, an Employee Relations Officer at CDCR, informed Boone that he would face disciplinary measures for his actions on December 2.
Boone contends that these actions by the CDCR violate the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which prohibits employment discrimination based on military service. Specifically, Boone argues that his status as a Military Reservist was a significant factor in the decision to reduce his salary by five percent over twelve pay periods starting April 29, 2023. He claims this reduction in pay constitutes unlawful retaliation under USERRA.
In response to these alleged violations, Boone is seeking several forms of relief from the court. He requests a declaration that the CDCR’s conduct violated USERRA and seeks damages for lost wages and benefits resulting from this alleged discrimination. Additionally, Boone asks for liquidated damages equal to his lost wages and benefits due to what he describes as willful violations by the defendant. He also seeks reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation costs as part of his compensation.
Representing Marc Boone is attorney Brian J. Lawler from Pilot Law P.C., while no specific attorneys are named for the defense in this document. The case is filed under Case No.: 2a OOS aBoe in front of an unspecified judge at the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County.
Source: 26CV003604_Marc_Boone_v_California_Department_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
