A U.S. Army veteran is suing the Guam Department of Agriculture, alleging discrimination. He’s taking the Government of Guam to federal court. And now the island's public sector now responding claiming the former employee is not entitled to any relief asking a judge to dismiss the complaint.

Patrick Artero has been a commodity inspector with the agency since 1994. A month ago, he sued GovGuam in the District Court alleging discrimination on the basis of disability – documents state – both mental and physical impairment connected to his time as an infantry soldier.

He also alleged he was not given reasonable accommodations, detailed to a lesser job - damaging his chance to advance in his career, subjected to disparate treatment and retaliated against for participating in the equal employment opportunity process.

The most serious allegation Artero argues he reported to the Guam OPA that funds tapped to address invasive species was being used for other reasons like salaries for employees not connected to the Invasive Species Fund.

The complaint, he alleges, caused leadership to put him through a hostile work environment and making disparaging remarks about his medical disability and age.

Artero also alleged he received threats. Assistant AG Yusuke Haffeman-Udagawa responding to the complaint stating agriculture denies the allegations. Still, Artero contends he was subjected to intentional infliction of emotional distress resulting in mental anguish.

Artero wants to be reinstated to an appropriate position, backpay, among other benefits. He also wants compensatory and punitive damages for the emotional pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life in an amount to be calculated at trial.

GovGuam contends Artero failed to file a government claim, adding the case shouldn’t be heard in the District Court of Guam and dismissed. Artero seeks relief under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.

But, it’s relief the AG’s Office argues he has no right to.