Tuesday, August 19, 2008 --- 8:15 a.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A Milwaukee County deputy has lost a federal lawsuit alleging that he was placed on foot patrol in a high-crime neighborhood after he criticized the sheriff.

Michael Schuh and the deputies' union alleged that Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. violated Schuh's free-speech rights.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Gorence wrote that the sheriff has the power to reassign Schuh.

In a decision issued Friday, she said employees are obligated to go where the sheriff directs them.

A representative of the union didn't immediately return a call for comment from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The court ruled that free-speech rights didn't apply because Schuh was airing a personal grievance, not speaking as a citizen on a matter of public concern.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)