EDWARDSVILLE - Four former employees of a scrap metal company are suing over claims they were defamed after being accused of a "theft ring."
Plaintiffs Michael Bauman, Heather Narx, George Westbrook and Clifford Womack filed the lawsuit June 24 in Madison County Circuit, alleging slander and negligence on the part of Becker Iron and Metal, a company based in Venice, Ill., and other related entities.
The four plaintiffs allege that in December 2019 agents of the defendants made defamatory statements to third parties.
Three of the plaintiffs, Bauman, Westbrook and Womack, claim the third parties were told that they had "stolen company property" and were involved in an employee-based "theft ring." The fourth, Narx, claims she was wrongfully accused of being part of the ring.
All the plaintiffs claim negligence on the part of the company, alleging the defendant had a duty not to make defamatory statements without making any effort to find out the truth.
Further, the defendants allegedly made the accusations with "full knowledge" that they were untrue or with "reckless disregard" for the truth, according the suit. The plaintiffs add that the defendants' actions were done to injure the plaintiffs and their good names.
All the plaintiffs argue they suffered "extreme employment distress" and have been unable to find employment.
The plaintiffs, who are each seeking more than $50,000 in damages, are represented by Angie M. Zinzilieta of Wendler & Zinzilieta of Edwardsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2020-L-863