Goodwill customer says she was falsely accused of shoplifting

CHARLESTON -- A woman is suing Goodwill on claims she was falsely accused of shoplifting.

Lisa Ann Huffman filed a lawsuit May 28 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley Inc., Tim Strickland and Brenda Pauley, citing intentional, willful and wanton actions.

The lawsuit states Huffman was a customer of Goodwill at its store at 203 Crossing Mall Road, Elkview, on May 31, 2013, when employee Pauley and store manager Strickland accused her of shoplifting. A sheriff deputy cited her and she went to court where the Magistrate Court judge dismissed the case and entered an order of expungement, the complaint states. The accusation libeled, slandered and defamed Huffman and subjected her to false arrest and malicious prosecution, the complaint states. She also incurred monetary damages, diminished earning capacity and has suffered severe and permanent mental and emotional injuries, according to the complaint.

Huffman is seeking damages that include compensatory damages exclusive of interest and costs, punitive damages, pre and post-judgment interest, court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. She is being represented by Michael T. Clifford of Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-983