Salazar v. Lopez

Frank Salazar sued Sheriff Oscar Lopez, Jr. ("Lopez") and Jim Wells County ("County"), claiming that he was terminated from employment for the refusal to perform an illegal act. Salazar contended that he had a valid claim under the Sabine Pilot exception to the employment-at-will doctrine. See Sabine Pilot Serv., Inc. v. Hauck, 687 S.W.2d 733 (Tex. 1985). The trial court found that Lopez and the County were immune from suit and granted a plea to the jurisdiction. The issue presented on appeal is whether the trial court had the inherent power to exercise jurisdiction over Salazars claim. Because we conclude that the trial court was without jurisdiction to consider Salazars claim, we affirm the trial courts order.