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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Huntington woman says job in Dubai was revoked before she started

HUNTINGTON -- A Huntington woman has filed suit after she allegedly was hired for a job in Dubai, but was laid off before she began work.

Pamela K. Ochala claims DynCorp International offered her a job as senior contracts manager in Dubai through a letter dated June 14, 2006, according to a complaint she filed in Cabell Circuit Court on July 28. DynCorp International removed the lawsuit to federal court Aug. 27.

Ochala accepted the position on July 12, 2006, during a phone conversation with Dean Hutchins, the director of contracts for DynCorp International.

During the conversation, she told Hutchins she would not be able to regain her position at Trex Enterprises Corporation and needed him to confirm the offer was firm, the suit states.

After he did, Ochala provided a letter of formal resignation to Trex Enterprises Corporation on July 12, stating her last day would be Aug. 9, according to the complaint.

Ochala claims she and her husband began preparing to move and incurred various out-of-pocket expenses. They also planned a farewell party at Guyan Country Club in Huntington for Aug. 16, 2006. For the party they sent out printed invitations, Ochala claims.

On Aug. 7, 2006, Ochala received an e-mail that informed her of a series of changes in DynCorp International, and the Dubai operation was the focus of a new CEO on, the suit states. There was nothing in the e-mail that alarmed Ochala, she states.

She received a phone call Aug. 14, 2006, and was informed of anticipated downsizing in the Dubai office. Ochala was part of the downsizing, according to the complaint.

In an Aug. 25, 2006, letter, DynCorp International withdrew its offer of employment, she claims.

As a result, Ochala claims she sustained harm and incurred damages.

She also claims she suffered extreme emotional distress, embarrassment and humiliation.

She claims DynCorp's conduct amounted to fraudulent, negligent, and/or innocent misrepresentation and its actions were willful, wanton and/or reckless.

In the four-count suit, Ochala is seeking a judgment in an amount sufficient to compensate her for her actual damages, plus exemplary or punitive damages sufficient to deter such conduct by DynCorp International and others in the future, plus court costs.

DynCorp is the product of two companies – Lane-Air, Inc., and California Eastern Airways, Inc., according to a history on its Web site.

In 1951 Land-Air, Inc., was acquired by California Eastern Airways, Inc.. Then, in 1962, the company changed its name to Dynalectron Corporation. The company became DynCorp in 1987.

DynCorp International was formed in December 2000 and has recruited, trained and deployed more than 5,000 civilian peacekeepers and police trainers to 11 countries, according to its Web site.

"DynCorp International is a multifaceted, global enterprise that provides innovative solutions to the diverse technology and professional services needs of government and commercial industry worldwide," its Web site states. "While we are a highly successful provider of critical support to military and civilian government institutions, we also have important commercial business in aviation, infrastructure development, security, and logistics."

Ochala is represented by Michael E. Estep of Jenkins Fenstermaker in Huntington.

DynCorp International is represented by Albert Sebok and Brian J. Moore of Jackson Kelly in Charleston.

Case number: 3:08-1027

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