MORGANTOWN – A man is suing Midtown Motors after he claims his employment was wrongfully terminated.
Midtown is doing business as John Howard Motors. Randy Buzzo was also named as a defendant in the suit.
Christopher A. Azzaro was employed by the defendants and during his employment, he consistently performed his duties in a satisfactory manner and met the reasonable expectations of the defendants, according to a complaint filed in Monongalia Circuit Court.
Azzaro claims on Feb. 13, the defendants willfully, maliciously and unlawfully terminated his employment.
The defendants' actions constituted unlawful retaliatory discharge motivated by issues in violation of substantial public policies of the State of West Virginia, according to the suit.
Azzaro claims he complained to Buzzo that he and Midtown were engaged in a scheme which involved the improper sales of vehicles in order for the defendants to avoid paying taxes and he also complained about health and safety issues.
As a result of his complaints, the defendants willfully, maliciously and unlawfully terminated Azzaro's employment, according to the suit.
Azzaro claims the defendants actions have caused him to suffer lost wages and benefits; indignity; embarrassment; and humiliation.
The defendants actions were willful, wanton and/or undertaken with reckless disregard and/or reckless indifference to the rights of the plaintiff, according to the suit.
Azzaro is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre-judgment interest. He is being represented by Mark A. Atkinson of Atkinson & Polak.
Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 15-C-147