Former leasing agent sues Progressive Property Network, others

A woman has filed suit against her former employer alleging false information had been spread regarding her qualifications and character.

Julie Jones-Kloeckner filed suit April 22 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Progressive Property Network Inc., Whitney Wisnasky-Bettorf and Courtney Cardona.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff was working as a leasing agent for defendant Progressive Property Network on Oct. 30, when defendant Whitney Wisnasky-Bettorf allegedly sent numerous clients communication accusing the plaintiff of failing to obtain proper licensure.

Shortly afterwards, on March 15, Wisnasky-Bettorf allegedly talked with another woman, raising questions about Jones-Kloeckner and making statements that $16,000 was unaccounted for while an additional $32,000 was missing, according to the complaint.

Due to the insinuations, Jones-Kloeckner claims she suffered harm to her personal and business reputation, humiliation, extreme emotional distress and mental suffering, according to the complaint. She accuses Wisnasky-Bettorf of libel, saying her communication implied that Jones-Kloeckner was not capable of performing her tasks and adversely reflected on her abilities.

Jones-Kloeckner is seeking compensatory damages of more than $300,000, plus punitive damages and costs. She is being represented by Philip R. Rice of Rice Law Offices in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 14-L-302.