LA Sheriff's deputy says career was derailed after friend of Sheriff's wife ...

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A sheriff's deputy in Los Angeles is alleging that her boss Sheriff Alex Villanueva's wife - a former co-worker - is behind the stalling of her career after she was critical of her friend. 

Deputy Lina Pimental said in a lawsuit filed in LA County Superior Court that her 'career progression has now been effectively terminated because of Vivian Villanueva's personal attacks on her.'

Pimental's suit describes Vivian Villanueva's expletive-laden tirades against her after she claimed in her position as a recruit training officer that Natalie Garcia - a friend of Villanueva - was unqualified for a position with the office. 

'In retaliation for Plaintiff dismissing her friend as unqualified, Villanueva reported to the Academy, and called Plaintiff a 'c---' and a 'b--h,' the suit said. 'Villanueva also made threats at Plaintiff's workplace, warning others to keep Plaintiff away from her because, 'f--k her,' and 'I will go off on that b----h.'  

The Sheriff's office declined to comment on the allegations, citing pending litigation but issued a statement praising Alex Villanueva.