According to the L.A. Times, he's suing the county for putting a "Do Not Rehire" notation in his personnel file.
Villanueva's plan to sue the county comes after an oversight panel said he harassed and discriminated against two county employees, recommending he be viewed as ineligible to be rehired.
The former sheriff's lawyer called the panel's recommendation a "lethal blow" to Villanueva's lengthy career.