/ KVUE News Team

Jury deadlocked in age discrimination case

07:02 PM CST on Friday, January 16, 2004

By Amanda Lawson
KVUE News

A Williamson County jury deadlocks over an age discrimination lawsuit brought against the county attorney.

The suit was filed by former prosecutor Carol Collins -- who says Gene Taylor wrongly fired her. She also claims he discriminates against women.

Jurors say there were a number of issues that bother them. They said they were leaning toward clearing the county attorney, but could not get the 10-to-2 vote needed to do it. The case began two years ago.

Collins says she will pursue a second trial and is asking for $500,000 in back pay, future earnings and amages.

A new trial would take place in September -- just before voters decide whether to re-elect Gene Taylor.

County commissioners would have to approve any settlement offer.

The trial cost Williamson County tax payers $200,000.