Honda dealership hit with age discrimination suit

BECKLEY - A former employee at John Howerton Honda is suing over claims of age discrimination.

Thomas Leo Brugnoli filed a lawsuit Nov. 18 in the Circuit Court of Raleigh County against his former employer, H&P Inc., doing business as John Howerton Honda, citing age discrimination and aged based harassment.

The plaintiff says he was employed by the defendant from March 2010 until May 31, 2013, and was a satisfactory employee throughout his employment.

According to the complaint, the owner of John Howerton Honda repeatedly made statements about the plaintiff's age and about replacing him with someone younger. The complaint states in April, Brugnoli was demoted and received a substantial reduction in income.

The plaintiff contends the defendant hired younger employees to fill positions that he was qualified to perform. Brugnoli was terminated on May 31, according to the complaint.

Brugnoli is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, interest, fees and costs. He is being represented in the case by Matthew H. Nelson and Stephen B. Farmer of Farmer, Cline & Campbell PLLC.

Circuit Court of Raleigh County Case No. 13-C-963