Deputy files discrimination lawsuit against N.J. sheriff, says officials played politics with her career Updated 12:37 PM; Today 12:36 PM Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, speaking at a ceremony on Sept. 11, 2020, was named in a federal discrimination lawsuit filed by one of his deputies.John Jones | For NJ Advance Media Facebook Share An Essex County deputy has sued Sheriff Armando Fontoura and his department, claiming she has been discriminated against for her race, gender and for political purposes. Shai Carr claims in court papers she has endured ongoing harassment — including being banned from Democratic fundraisers, stripped of her detective title and banished to work in the basement — because she is a Black woman and because her superior was jealous over her “youth and appearance,” the lawsuit claims.