WHEELING – A man is suing ECM Supply after he claims it wrongfully terminated his employment.
Jesse A. Krieg began his employment with ECM on Jan. 26, 2015, at which time he was an account manager and he subsequently became the regional sales manager for the northeast in December 2015 and director of sales in January, according to a complaint filed April 10 in Hancock Circuit Court and removed to federal court on May 11.
Krieg claims in January, the defendant compelled to sign a purported covenant not to compete and, on information and belief, the defendant did so maliciously with plans to terminate him shortly thereafter.
On March 27, the defendant terminated Krieg’s employment and, despite repeated requests, the defendant has refused to provide him with a termination letter, according to the suit.
Krieg claims on March 31, the defendant, via its lawyer, sent him a letter threatening legal action following his necessary attempt to obtain post-termination employment.
The defendant’s lawyer also accused Krieg of having company property, despite having returned all company property, including a truck and laptop, in his possession on the date of his termination, according to the suit.
Krieg claims the defendant has and is communicating with prospective employers of the plaintiff in an unlawful attempt to prevent him from making a living and supporting his family.
The plaintiff is attempting to make decisions with regarding to his future employment and the purported covenant not to compete and the defendant’s tortious conduct is a cloud upon Krieg’s ability to earn a living going forward.
Krieg is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is being represented by Matthew T. Logue of Quinn Logue.
ECM is represented by Matthew S. Casto of Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia case number: 5:17-cv-00063