WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

WINFIELD - A man is suing Frontier Communications for wrongfully terminating his employment.

Jerry Calvin Totten was a Verizon employee, who transitioned to being a Frontier employee when Frontier acquired Verizon in 2010, according to a complaint filed June 24 in Putnam Circuit Court.

Totten claims on June 24, 2011, he was wrongfully let go after a bogus investigation into false and defamatory accusations and allegations against him was conducted.

As a former Verizon employee, Totten did not have the option to receive the severance package that was provided to other former Verizon employees that left prior to June 30, 2011, according to the suit.

Totten claims the defendant made false and defamatory statements to others, which discouraged them from employing him or entering into business relationships and/or business transactions with him.

Frontier's actions were malicious and intentional and caused Totten severe emotional distress and mental anguish; humiliation; and embarrassment, according to the suit.

Totten is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Michael S. Bailey of Bailey & Howard PLLC.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Joseph K. Reeder.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 13-C-203