A recent court filing reveals a dramatic workplace dispute involving allegations of defamation and wrongful termination. On June 10, 2024, Jeff Castaneda filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, against Comcast, Inc., and three of its employees: Chuck Roetter, Steven Belluzzi, and John Reliford.
Jeff Castaneda began his career with Comcast in April 2001 as an installer and worked his way up to Area Construction Manager by January 2019. His employment came to an abrupt end on May 21, 2024, following a company event at the Oakland A's stadium. According to the complaint, during this event, Castaneda was accused of consuming alcohol and subsequently driving a company vehicle—allegations he vehemently denies. The complaint details that Richard White, another Comcast employee who filmed the event for social media purposes, confirmed that Castaneda only drank water from a vial cap during the "Tail Gate" barbecue preceding the game.
Despite these clarifications from White, Castaneda was summoned by Roetter and Belluzzi on May 21 and informed that his employment was terminated due to violations of Comcast’s vehicle use policy. The plaintiff claims that defamatory statements were made about him both internally within Comcast and externally to potential employers. For instance, when applying for new positions at Mastec and Broadband Technical Resources (BTR), Castaneda had to explain that he was terminated for allegedly drinking alcohol at a company event—a claim he insists is false.
The complaint further alleges that no fair or impartial investigation was conducted before his termination. It states that other employees who consumed alcohol at the same event were not disciplined similarly. This includes high-level managers like Roetter and Belluzzi themselves who were reportedly seen drinking tequila shots.
Castaneda seeks compensatory damages for lost wages and non-economic damages due to harm inflicted on his personal and professional reputation. He also demands punitive damages for what he describes as malicious actions taken by Comcast and its employees. The case underscores broader issues of workplace fairness and corporate accountability.
Representing Jeff Castaneda are attorneys Mark P. Velez and Natalya Grunwald from The Velez Law Firm PC. The case has been assigned Case ID 240011422 in front of Judge B. Prasad.