New Smyrna Beach Police Department · Federal court filing
Former New Smyrna Beach Officer Files Federal Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination and Privacy Violations
Jessica A. Schuchardt’s amended federal complaint accuses the City of New Smyrna Beach of sex discrimination, constitutional violations, unlawful use of private electronic communications and invasion of privacy. The claims are allegations in a pending civil complaint, not judicial findings.
What the complaint says
The 29-page amended verified complaint was filed July 17, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Schuchardt says she began working for the New Smyrna Beach Police Department in 2021 and later served as a patrol officer.
The complaint traces the dispute to a March 2024 domestic-violence allegation and the department’s internal response. Schuchardt alleges department personnel obtained private text messages from her former fiancé without a warrant or her authorization, used those communications in internal-affairs investigations and later released them. She also alleges that requests for a compliance-review hearing under Florida’s Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights were denied.
Four legal claims
The amended complaint identifies four causes of action:
- Sex discrimination under Title VII;
- A constitutional name-and-reputation claim brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983;
- A claim under the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act, commonly called the Wiretap Act; and
- An invasion-of-privacy claim under the Florida Constitution.
The filing seeks damages, equitable relief, attorney’s fees and other relief. Those requests are part of the plaintiff’s pleading and do not establish that damages will be awarded.
Why the source documents matter
The complaint includes detailed allegations about internal-affairs procedures, the handling of electronic communications and the release of personal information. JM Audits is publishing the court filing so readers can compare this summary with the exact language submitted to the court. A city policies-and-procedures exhibit is also provided as supporting material.
Read the court filing
Amended verified complaint, filed July 17, 2025.
View the complaint on this page
Supporting policy exhibit
City policies and procedures included with the records supplied to JM Audits.
View the policy exhibit
JM Audits will update this article if a court ruling, answer or other material case development becomes available.
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