Jury in former Stanislaus deputy's lawsuit returns Wednesday

MODESTO -- A jury in a civil trial will return to court Wednesday to start its fourth day of deliberations in the case of a former Stanislaus County sheriff's deputy suing the county, claiming he was forced out of his job after a series of injuries on duty.

Dennis Wallace says he is capable of returning to work as a patrol deputy after surgeries to repair the injuries and rehabilitation to strengthen his body.

He claims that Sheriff Adam Christianson forced him out of his position but has found jobs within the department for other injured deputies.

County officials say Wallace was sent home because a doctor determined he no longer could perform the duties of a deputy with his physical limitations.

Jurors began deliberating late Tuesday afternoon.