Former Cooper B-Line worker claims racial discrimination

A Belleville man is suing his former employer, claiming he was unlawfully let go from his position.

Adrian Harris filed a lawsuit on June 12 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Cooper B-Line Inc., citing employment discrimination.

Harris claims he worked for the defendant at 816 Lions Drive in Troy from April 2, 2011, to Oct. 21, 2012. The suit alleges Harris was held to a higher standard than his white co-workers because he is African American, causing him to receive written warnings for minor mistakes that his co-workers were allowed to make. According to the complaint, Harris was falsely accused of threatening his white co-worker and waving a gun in the parking lot of the defendant's facility on Oct. 21, 2012, and was immediately fired and removed from the property.

Harris is seeking damages for lost salary, benefits and pension in excess of $50,000, attorney's fees and court costs. He is being represented in the case by Collinsville attorney John H. Leskera of Leskera Law Firm.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 14-L-850.