HARRISBURG — Security officers are suing Pittston Area School District, their former employer, citing alleged violation of civil rights to political patronage/free speech and free association.
Charles Jones II and Donald F. Toole filed a complaint on Oct. 2 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against Pittston Area School District, alleging their former employer breached its duty of good faith and fair dealings.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that Charles Jones II and Donald F. Toole have suffered injuries and damages, including lost wages, loss of benefits, and emotional distress, as a result of the unlawful conduct of the defendant in terminating their employment as security officers for plaintiffs' support of Lori Cooper's electoral campaign for school board.
The plaintiffs hold Pittston Area School District responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to provide plaintiffs with a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for termination, and failed to provide plaintiffs their rights to free association and free speech.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against defendant for compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, costs, expenses, and pre- and post-judgment interest. They are represented by Gerald Hanchulak of The Hanchulak Law Offices PC in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.
The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Case No. is 18-cv-01919.