Raleigh man says he was harassed, then fired

CHARLESTON - A Raleigh County man has filed a suit against his former employer, claiming he was fired after he was victim of conduct that violates the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

Gary Steve Scarborough filed a suit Jan. 22 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Cornerstone Interiors Inc. and Eddie Scarbro.

Scarbro, also a Raleigh County resident, is an employee of Cornerstone Interiors and was Scarborough's supervisor.

According to the suit, Scarborough was hired May 2007 as a painter and wall paperer. While employed, he claims he was subjected to tortuous, offensive and outrageous acts performed by Scarbro.

According to the suit, Scarborough was given a paycheck in July 2007 that had a penis drawn on it and "Dork" written on the envelope. One week later he was handed another paycheck that had three penises drawn on it.

In August 2007, Scarborough claims he put his name on masking tape to put on a paint bucket. According to the suit, Scarbro drew a penis on it and wrote "Steve sucks."

According to the suit, Scarbro then began a pattern of harassment in the workplace, which Scarborough claims violate the Human Rights Act. Scarborough was then fired from Cornerstone.

He claims he suffered loss of wages, loss of job benefits, embarrassment, humiliation and mental distress, annoyance and inconvenience, costs and attorneys fees. Scarborough seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney Samuel F. Hanna is representing Scarborough. The case has been assigned to Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-141