Former Capitol guard sues over his firing

CHARLESTON - A former Capitol Complex security guard has filed a suit against the firm that hired him, claiming he was fired after he told state officials his security company was hiring unqualified workers.

David Katonka, of Charleston, filed the suit in Kanawha Circuit Court, against St. Moritz Security Services of Pittsburgh. Katonka claims he was fired after he told officers with the Division of Protective Services that he was to falsify records for the guards that did not meet the job criteria.

Protective Services is the Capitol Complex's police force. It uses contract guards for security in the command center, guardhouse and to patrol the complex at night.

According to the state contract, the guards must have a high school diploma and a valid driver's license. They must also pass a background check and must have no convictions for criminal charges, as well as pass a drug and alcohol screening and a physical fitness test.

The suit says Katonka told Protective Services "that he was instructed to falsify records to show that unqualified employees were indeed trained and qualified to do the work of security guards at the Capitol Complex, when they were not."

Katonka claims St. Moritz fired him after learning what he told Protective Services. Katonka is seeking to be reinstated, along with back pay and benefits, and punitive damages.

St. Moritz no longer provides security guards at the Capitol. The contract was awarded to Allied Barton Security Services of Dunbar as of July 1.

Attorney Roger Forman is representing Katonka.