Keith Wilson, the former executive director of the Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Department, filed a 41‑page lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas on Tuesday. Wilson, who served from September 2022 until his termination in early March, alleges that county officials retaliated against him after he reported alleged discrimination involving his former deputy director, Nancy Taguacta.
Allegations of retaliation and discrimination
According to the complaint, Wilson began receiving employee complaints in late July and August 2025 that accused Taguacta of bullying, harassment, retaliation and discriminatory treatment. One complaint even bore the heading “ONLY FEMALES BEING TERMINATED.” Wilson says he forwarded these complaints to Bexar County Ombudsman Allison Highley in August 2025 and requested an investigation.
The ombudsman’s investigation, the suit states, substantiated the complaints in October 2025. Taguacta, a county employee of more than 30 years, was allowed to resign and retire rather than be terminated, and the county offered her a $25,000 separation payment.
County response and procedural actions
Bexar County and chief civil attorney Larry Roberson are named as defendants. In an email response, Roberson said the matter is now pending in federal court and that the county will address the allegations through the legal process rather than public comment.
The lawsuit claims the county escalated scrutiny of Wilson after he reported the complaints. Wilson says he was placed on a 90‑day performance‑improvement plan in October 2025 by County Manager David Smith, who allegedly told Wilson that Roberson wanted to “wipe the leadership slate clean in the department.” The plan cited three areas of concern: lack of availability and presence, inappropriate delegation of core responsibilities, and failure to identify and address misconduct.
Wilson disputes those findings, noting that his role required him to travel to multiple service locations and attend community events. He also asserts he never received formal disciplinary action during his three years with the county.
Outside investigation and EEOC involvement
The complaint notes that Bexar County retained the law firm Caldwell Clark Fanucchi & Finlayson, PLLC, under an agreement not to exceed $100,000, to investigate Wilson shortly after he filed a formal grievance alleging retaliation on December 2, 2025. Wilson contends the investigation expanded beyond the original performance‑improvement concerns and became an effort to find grounds for his termination.
Wilson filed a formal retaliation complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on February 17, 2026. The EEOC issued notices of his right to sue in August 2026 after closing its investigations without determining a violation of federal law.
Termination and requested relief
Eight days after Wilson’s grievance, he was placed on paid administrative leave. On March 10, 2026, Bexar County Commissioners Court voted to terminate his employment, a decision Wilson says came one day after Roberson challenged his communications with county employees who could serve as witnesses.
Wilson was at a ski resort out of state when the vote occurred. He is seeking lost wages, damages, attorney’s fees and either reinstatement or compensation for future lost earnings, and has requested a jury trial.
County’s stated justification
The county maintains that its audit, performance‑improvement plan, administrative leave and outside investigation were based on legitimate concerns about Wilson’s leadership and conduct. It argues that Wilson’s referral of employee complaints to the ombudsman was part of his ordinary managerial duties, not protected opposition to discrimination.
Wilson argues the timing of the county’s actions and shifting justifications demonstrate retaliation, and the lawsuit will allow a federal court to evaluate those claims.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
