CHARLESTON– A former correctional officer is seeking restitution for alleged violations of the West Virginia Whistle-Blower Law, claiming he was bullied on the job.
Jason T. Friddle filed suit in Kanawha Circuit Court against the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority.
According to the complaint, Friddle was employed by the defendant as a correctional officer until February, at which point he was terminated. He is alleging that he was bullied, ridiculed and disrespected both in and outside of the workplace by co-workers and supervisors of the correctional facility.
The complaint states that Friddle told his immediate supervisor about the unsafe conditions, who in turn allegedly changed the conditions of his work environment, allowed the behavior to continue, and then ultimately terminated the plaintiff.
The plaintiff is citing violation of the West Virginia Whistle-Blower Law and public policy, and various damages, including but not limited to humiliation, indignity, embarrassment, emotional distress, as well as lost wages and benefits, plus interest, court costs and attorney fees, in an amount to be determined by the court. The plaintiff demands a trial by jury.
The plaintiff is being represented by Todd S. Bailess and Joy B. Mega of Bailess Law PLLC of Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 15-C-1568.