CHARLESTON — A marketing specialist is suing the state agriculture department, alleging discrimination and retaliation.
Teresa Halloran filed a complaint in Kanawha Circuit Court against the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, alleging the government agency violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, Halloran, 62, had worked for the department for 24 years as a marketing specialist. On Feb. 28, the suit says, Halloran was unlawfully and constructively discharged from her employment.
The lawsuit alleges she has suffered and will continue to suffer lost wages and benefits, humiliation, annoyance, indignity and inconvenience. The plaintiff alleges the West Virginia Department of Agriculture discriminated and retaliated against her by denying her promotion and by promoting two younger and less- qualified employees.
Halloran seeks trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages, plus interest, court costs, attorney fees and all other just and equitable relief. She is represented by attorneys Mark A. Atkinson and John-Mark Atkinson of Atkinson & Polak PLLC in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 18-C-973