PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh distillery has sued a former executive over access to the company’s Facebook page and website.
In a complaint filed Feb. 19 in Allegheny Court of Common Pleas, Kingfly Spirits sued Blake Ragghianti, its former head distiller, vice president, secretary and treasurer who holds a 15 percent ownership share. According to the complaint, Ragghianti’s relationship with Kingfly dissolved in early February when he refused to work unless his annual salary jumped to $85,000.
Kingfly President Mark Willson accepted Ragghianti’s resignation on Feb. 12. Two days later, everyone in the company lost access to the Facebook page except Ragghianti, who was the only person with administrator privileges. The company website was taken offline the same night, which the company said could only be done by Ragghianti.
Formal complaints include breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, and tortious interference with a business relationship. The company seeks damages and legal fees as well as an injunction forcing Ragghianti to produce the requested passwords.
Representing Kingfly is Brian Must of the Pittsburgh firm Metz Lewis Brodman Must O’Keefe.
Allegheny Court of Common Pleas case number GD-20-2719