Man accuses roofing company workers of racism

WHEELING -- A Marshall County man is suing over claims he endured malicious racism in his job at a roofing company.

Saintclair Mitchell Jr. filed a lawsuit May 5 in Ohio Circuit Court against Kalkreuth Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc., citing racial discrimination.

According to the complaint, Mitchell was employed as a laborer by Kalkreuth Roofing & Sheet Metal, where he experienced derogatory racial remarks and slurs from his coworkers and crew foreman.

Mitchell, who is African-American, says incidents included being told to sit at the back of the bus and being told about various weapons on the premises, which made Mitchell fearful for his safety. The lawsuit states Mitchell reported the incidents multiple times to supervisors, but nothing was done to correct the behavior, forcing him to resign April 18.

Mitchell is seeking lost wages, punitive damages and costs.

He is being represented in the case by attorney Walt Auvil of Rusen & Auvil PLLC. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Martin J. Gaughn.

Ohio Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-123