The County of Kern will pay $300,000 to a former chief deputy of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office who claimed he was fired because he challenged Sheriff Donny Youngblood in the 2018 election.

During the campaign, Justin Fleeman promised to stop alleged sexual misconduct within the sheriff’s office and the Sheriff’s Activities League.

Fleeman claimed Sheriff Youngblood issued a letter three weeks after the election saying Fleeman was under investigation because of allegations he “disclosed confidential personnel information during the election.”

Fleeman was placed on administrative leave and was eventually fired.

The out-of-court settlement was announced Monday.

The county admitted no wrongdoing and agreed to seal Fleeman’s personnel file, to not oppose any concealed carry weapons permit, and issue Fleeman a retirement identification badge.