From Affection to Allegation: Augusta Sheriff Accused of Retaliation, Harassment in Explosive Lawsuit

Written by: Sam Orlando

AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA — A federal lawsuit filed this week accuses Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith of launching a campaign of harassment, retaliation, and defamation against one of his own deputies, painting a picture of a professional relationship that began unusually close—and ended with alleged emotional and career devastation.

The plaintiff, former Deputy Dennis Reynolds, claims that Sheriff Smith sent him persistent, unwanted messages that included expressions of love, sexually suggestive texts, and invitations to stay at the sheriff’s home. When Reynolds began distancing himself and asserting medical privacy rights, the lawsuit says Smith’s behavior escalated into disciplinary actions, termination, and an attempt to permanently revoke his law enforcement certification.

One message cited in the lawsuit reads: “You not signing the write up just made this entire thing worse,” which attorneys say directly ties Reynolds’ refusal to comply with Smith’s demands to the retaliation that followed.

The complaint also alleges that Smith distributed Brady letters—formal notices to other law enforcement agencies that could damage a deputy’s credibility in court—even after a state board cleared Reynolds of misconduct.

This is not the first time the bond between Smith and Reynolds surfaced in public debate. In 2023, a community uproar erupted over the fate of K9 Rico, Reynolds’ former canine partner. At the time, Sheriff Smith refused to retire the dog to Reynolds unless a local group raised $19,000 to fund a replacement—despite another county having allowed a similar retirement without condition. Some saw that as fiscal prudence. Others, in hindsight, now view it as the first public fracture in an unusually personal dynamic.

The lawsuit alleges a pattern of retaliation that included suspension the same day Reynolds disclosed mental health concerns, termination shortly afterward, and the submission of a decertification request the very day Reynolds submitted a forced resignation.

Legal filings cite violations of the First Amendment, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Virginia Human Rights Act. The complaint also includes a defamation claim, noting that Smith’s statements to the state about Reynolds’ credibility and integrity were found unsubstantiated by the Criminal Justice Services Board.

Reynolds is seeking $5 million in compensatory damages and at least $350,000 in punitive damages. He has also requested injunctive relief that would halt further dissemination of damaging information.

Sheriff Smith has not publicly responded to the suit. As of publication, no court date has been set.

You can read the full lawsuit here:

Reynolds v. Smith 525-cv-00044.pdf

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