BLUE RIDGE, Ga. (AP) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed an age discrimination lawsuit against a north Georgia county, claiming older employees were targeted during layoffs.

In a statement Thursday, the commission said Fannin County violated federal laws by laying off older employees from its Road Department in November 2011.

EEOC officials say seven of the 11 people laid off were over 60 and the county rehired the four younger workers, but didn't rehire any employees over the age of 60.

The EEOC filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia after trying to reach settlement. Federal officials say they're seeking back pay and damages for older employees, and an injunction to prevent future age discrimination.

A call to the county's attorney was not immediately returned.