Man sues former employer for demeaning work, wrongful termination

CHARLESTON -- A former employee is suing AC&S Inc. after he claims he was forced to do demeaning work.

Robert F. Cantrell, the president and owner of AC&S, and Dean Cordle, the executive vice president of AC&S, were also named as defendants in the suit.

J.D. Pauley began working for the defendants in 1999 as a maintenance supervisor and was designated as special projects manager during his employment, according to a complaint filed March 31 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Pauley claims in 2006 he began reporting to Cantrell's home and completed various tasks while being paid as an employee of AC&S.

Around the same time, Cantrell was diagnosed with MRSA and in June 2010, he had a relapse with MRSA, according to the suit.

Pauley claims from June 2010 until Sept. 30, 2010, he was forced to do humiliating things while working essentially as an indentured servant for Cantrell.

On a daily basis, Pauley was required to assist Cantrell in coping with the restrictions placed on his health by the MRSA relapse, according to the suit.

Pauley claims he was exposed to fecal matter, urine and bodily discharges, of which he was not provided training for or proper safety equipment.

After complaining to Cordle about working conditions, Pauley's employment was terminated, according to the suit.

Pauley claims after his employment was terminated, AC&S refused to pay money owed to him as part of his profit sharing plan.

Pauley is seeking compensatory damages. He is being represented by David M. Adkins.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-527