CHARLESTON — A Putnam County woman is suing American Electric Power Service Corporation for wrongful termination and discrimination.
Frank Jenkins and Edward Gilabert were also named as defendants in the suit.
Stacey Neece began working for the defendant on Oct. 17, 2016, and she was given a raise on March 2022, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Neece claims she is the only female senior project manager out of 17 project managers in her region and, the raise was intended to bring her pay in line with her peers.
Gilabert also made gender-related disparaging comments from the day she first met him, including him commenting on her hair and her clothing. According to the suit, He also commented about a newly appointed female CEO's style and shoes.
Neece claims she complained about Gilabert's comments and an investigation was made into his actions, however, it was concluded in mid-January and he was not demoted or terminated.
On Jan. 17, the plaintiff was advised she was being suspended and then she was terminated on Feb. 6.
Neece claims the defendants discriminated against her based on her gender and retaliated against her for making complaints about Gilabert.
The defendants' actions were willful, wanton, malicious, reckless, intentional and consequently, according to the suit.
Neece claims the defendants' actions also violated public policy and caused her harm.
"As a result of Defendants conduct and wrongful discharge, Plaintiff has suffered compensatory damages, including but not limited to past and future lost wages and benefits, and experienced both past and future emotional distress, aggravation, embarrassment, humiliation, anxiety and annoyance and inconvenience," the complaint states.
Neece is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Amy C. Crossan and Neil R. Bouchillon of Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn in Huntington.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 23-C-420