Former Goodwill worker says termination based on security officer’s report of his foot being run over

NEW ORLEANS – A woman who was employed by Goodwill for 17 years alleges she was wrongfully terminated based on a security officer’s false accusation.

Beatrice Ducre filed suit against Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana Inc. on Dec. 20, 2013.

On Aug. 15, 2013 the plaintiff claims she went to the Post Office to retrieve mail for work.  While there someone in line caused an altercation, the suit claims.

Ducre says she reported it to the security officer on duty, who told her the situation was being handled. On the way out the same security officer allegedly asked for Ducre’s identification and then informed her she was free to leave. According to the lawsuit, the security officer then called Goodwill, reporting that Ducre had refused to cooperate and attempted to run over his feet.

Ducre alleges she was terminated on the spot by Goodwill, although no report from the officer was produced. The plaintiff claims Goodwill took the opportunity to remove her from employment without legal foundation.

Ducre accuses Goodwill of retaliatory action, taking the opportunity to fire her in order to avoid compensatory wages it owed her from prior work suspensions and to avoid the complaints she made concerning conditions at her work site.

Ducre is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for emotional distress and loss of wages and income.

Ducre is represented by Sharry I. Sandler of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Paula A. Brown.

Case no.  2012-12119.