Former worker accuses Gutter Pro of racial discrimination

CHARLESTON --- A former employee of Gutter Pro of West Virginia is suing after his position was terminated.

Christopher Stafford filed a lawsuit April 22 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Gutter Pro of West Virginia Inc., Gutter Pro USA LLC, Gutter Pro WV LLC, Gutter Pro-Gutter Guards LLC, Thomas Lloyd, Scarlet McNeely and Adam Herald, citing racial discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliatory discharge, infliction of emotional distress, detrimental reliance and violations of the West Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Act.

Stafford, an African American, claims he moved from Charleston to Indiana after he was offered a marketing call center manager position for the defendant July 13.

The suit alleges when he started his new job his superior, defendant Lloyd, stated that no "nigger" would ever work in his office, Stafford's car was vandalized and he was falsely accused of causing the company to lose money by throwing away leads.

According to the brief, Stafford was accused of taking credit for leads and his employment was terminated.

Stafford is seeking damages, back and front pay, out of pocket losses suffered, interest, attorney's fees and any other relief allowed by law.

He is being represented by Charleston attorneys Matthew S. Criswell and Mark L. French of Criswell French PLLC. The case has been to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-764