Judge nixes ex-SC executioner's suit

A federal judge has ruled against a former South Carolina prisons employee who said he was forced to perform executions or face a demotion.

U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie wrote in an order filed in court Tuesday that Ira Craig Baxley had not made a strong enough argument that his right to free speech was violated when he said he did not want to execute inmates.

In 2007, Baxley and Terry Bracey sued the state Corrections Department. They said they were forced to perform executions in order to keep leadership positions. Bracey's lawsuit is ongoing.

Attorney Lewis Cromer represents both men. Cromer said Wednesday he is disappointed in Currie's decision and will likely file an appeal.

Prisons officials declined to comment on the case.