FRESNO – A man alleges he was terminated from his job of more than 20 years because of false accusations that he had been drinking on the job.
John Motta filed a complaint on July 9 in the Fayette Circuit Court against ThyssenKrupp Materials NA Inc., James Riens, Ted Anielski and Does 1 through 20 alleging defamation and invasion of privacy.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff began working for ThyssenKrupp Materials predecessor in 1997 in Fresno. The suit states in February, he was confronted at work by Riens and Anielski, who falsely accusing him of drinking alcoholic beverages on the job. The plaintiff claims despite taking a breathalyzer test, which came back negative, defendants nevertheless stated that he admitted to drinking on the job. Motta was fired on Feb. 20, the suit states.
The plaintiff holds ThyssenKrupp Materials NA Inc., Riens, Anielski and Does 1 through 20 responsible because the defendants allegedly invaded his right to privacy by ordering him to submit to a breathalyzer test without a reasonable suspicion that he was drinking on the job.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for special, general and punitive damages; interest; and all other relief the court deems appropriate. He is represented by M. Greg Mullanax of Law Office of M. Greg Mullanax in Fresno.
Fayette Circuit Court case number 18CECG02513