Man says Bert Wolfe fired him over age, race

CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County man says a local auto dealer fired him because of his race and his age.

Angel Luis Rivera filed his complaint April 3 in Kanawha Circuit Court, against Bert Wolfe, Inc.

The suit says Rivera was over 40 and worked for Bert Wolfe for about 10 years. On Feb. 27, 2007, Rivera claims he was "unlawfully terminated."

Rivera claims his termination was based on his race or national origin, which is a violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

As a result, Rivera is entitled to damages for indignity, embarrassment, humiliation and emotional distress.

The suit also says Rivera was repeatedly physically and verbally abused by James Workman, a manager at the dealership and should be compensated for the abuse.

Rivera seeks punitive damages in an amount to be determined by a jury.

Attorney Mark A. Atkinson is counsel for Rivera, and the case has been assigned to Judge Jennifer Bailey Walker.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-643