MERIDIAN, Miss. (AP) — A former Mississippi city worker is suing the city of Meridian, saying he was fired for reporting illegal activity.

Kelvin McGruder says he reported in May that two city employees, a wife and husband, were violating city policies. The former parks and recreation director said the man was using a city vehicle to conduct his own business and the woman was falsifying time sheets.

McGruder was placed on leave and ordered not to contact other city employees or he would be terminated. McGruder did contact another city employee and was fired in July.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday also charges Meridian with racial discrimination. McGruder, who is black, says it treated white employees more favorably during disciplinary procedures.