Acting sheriff named in claim

A retired Orange County sheriff’s lieutenant has filed a claim against the county alleging that acting Sheriff Jack Anderson violated state law last year when he asked the San Clemente City Council not to support the lieutenant’s candidacy for sheriff.

Anderson, then an assistant sheriff, appeared in uniform Nov. 20 when he asked the City Council to reconsider plans to endorse Sheriff’s Lt. William Hunt as a candidate to replace Sheriff Michael S. Carona.

Hunt’s claim, filed April 22, seeks unspecified monetary damages and is considered a precursor to a lawsuit. Hunt alleges that Anderson violated state law that prohibits peace officers from wearing uniforms while engaged in political activity.

-- Stuart Pfeifer