THIS JUST IN: Monongalia County

Oct. 17
Marie Canales v. Connecting Link
PA-Kelly J. Kimble; J-Stone
* Danielle Chefrin, Executive Director of Connecting Link hired Marie Canales as an Information and Referral Specialist to work in its Morgantown/Monongalia County Office in August 2004. In late June 2008, Chefrin brought in an acquaintance of hers, known only as Rick, to assist Canales and co-worker Susan Judy with their office duties. He offered an unknown type of pill to both Judy and Canales, which they both declined. Rick then left these pills in their office. Canales, believing authorities should be notified, contacted Chefrin to let her know what happened. On June 24, 2008, at the end of the work day, Chefrin, Canales, and Judy spoke by telephone. Chefrin advised that Rick would not be returning to the office and instructed Canales and Judy to dispose of the pills by flushing them down the toilet. They were to then submit a written report of the entire incident. Canales was apprehensive about destroying what she believed would be evidence of a criminal offense, and instead choose to leave them in her desk. Canales brought her camera to work the next day to photograph the pills. When she went to her desk to do so, she found the pills were not there. In July 2008, Canales' was terminated. Chefrin's grounds for Canales' termination was possession of a controlled substance in the workplace. Canales is seeking judgment for damages, pre and post judgment interest, and punitive damages.
Case number: 08-C-774