Associated Press - September 8, 2009 10:04 AM ET

MURPHY, Idaho (AP) - Five former Owyhee County Sheriff deputies who were fired after voters elected a new sheriff last fall are suing the county.

In the lawsuit, all five allege they were dismissed because they supported three-term incumbent sheriff Gary Aman, who lost to former deputy Daryl Crandall.

The plaintiffs say their dismissal is a violation of their free speech rights. The lawsuit filed in 3rd District Court says Crandall acted intentionally and abusively in retaliation for supporting Aman in the election.

The plaintiffs include Sherry Olson, James Bish, Christopher Even, Tiffany Walker and Bruce Cameron, the former chief deputy.

Owyhee County Prosecutor Doug Emery says he cannot comment on the case. In general, he says county employees are considered "at-will" employees who can be let go without cause.

Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.