#00335343, Robert Velasquez v. County of Ventura, filed 1/13/09

Plaintiff’s Attorneys:  Mark R. Pachowicz, Lanny M. Tron & Maury Mills

Verdict: $1,350,000                                       Dept. 6, Hon. Denise de Bellefeuille

Plaintiff, a former Senior Investigator for the Ventura county District Attorney’s office, brought suit against his former employer for retaliation and wrongful constructive discharge.  The case was initially filed in Ventura County but due to recusal of the entire judiciary of the Ventura County Superior Court, the case was transferred to Santa Barbara.  Plaintiff alleged he was subjected to adverse employment actions and intolerable work conditions in retaliation for 1) testifying and assisting in his co-workers FEHA lawsuits, and 2) filing his own FEHA lawsuit.  Plaintiff claimed a spotless thirty-year law enforcement career until he testified in fellow employees’ lawsuits.  Soon after participating in those lawsuits, Plaintiff alleged he was subjected to several adverse employment actions including negative performance evaluations, unjustifiable internal investigations, a letter of reprimand, a denial of a promotional opportunity and a job transfer.  As a result of the Defendant’s conduct, Plaintiff was forced to resign.  Defendant contended Plaintiff suffered no materially adverse employment actions as he was not demoted in pay or title.  Also, Defendant contended that it had a legitimate business reason for all actions taken.  The jury awarded $6,000 past economic loss, $600,000 future economic losses and $750,000 post non-economic losses.  Post-trial motions yet to be determined.