Dalton v. State of Florida, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, No. 1:2011cv23127 - Document 53 (S.D. Fla. 2012)
Court Description: ORDER Granting 27 Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment Signed by Senior Judge James Lawrence King on 10/26/2012. (jw)
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Dalton v. State of Florida, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Doc. 53 U NI TED STA TES DI STRICT C OU RT SO UTH ERN D I STR I O F FLO R I CT DA M I M IDIVI A SION CA SE N O .11 23 1 CI K 1 G - 27- V- N J OHN DA LTON , Pl ntf , ai if STATE o y FLORI A ,DEPARTM EN T D oF H I w AY SA FETY AN D M or GH roR vEHl cLEs, Def nt enda , / O R DER GR ANTI DEFEN DAN T' NG S M O TION FO R SUM M A RY JU DG M EN T TH IS M A TTER com e bef e t Cour upon Def ndant sM oton f Sum m a y s or he t e ' i or r J dg n ( # ) tld S pe e 1 201 Theen,Dee a tStt o Flrd , u me t DE 27 , ie e tmb r 7, 2. r i fnd n ae f o ia De rme t o Hihwa Saey a d M oorVe ce se s mmay j g nto al pa t n f g y ft n t hils e ks u r ud me n l c s. The Cour i f l bref i t m a t r. Upon c ef cons der i oft r d ount t s uly i ed n he te l ar ul i aton he ecor a t pl ngs t Cour tndst tDef nd he eadi , he ti ha endantsM oton s d be gr nt ' i houl a ed. L BACKGROUND oyee f Def nt St t of or enda ae Pli if J h Dat n ($ lo ', a f m e em pl antf o n lo i t n' Da ) or r Flrda De rme of Hihwa Sa ey a d Mo or Ve c e ($ M V' , tld t e o i , pa t nt g y ft n t hil s i DHS ' se h ) above- t e ac i on Augus 30,2011 alegi t t D ef s yl d ton t , l ng ha endant dicrm i ed agai t s i nat ns 1 aitf fldaRe po e( # )o Ocob r8 201 Dee a rple ( #5 onOcob rl , Pl n if ie s ns DE 43 n t e , 2. fnd nt e id DE 2) t e 7 201 2. Dockets.Justia.com hi on t bass of hi gende and t n r ala ed agai t hi f com pl i ng about m he i s r he et i t ns m or ani dipa a e tea m ent i vi a i ofTil V l oft Ci lRi sA c of 1 , as a ended, s rt r t , n ol ton te l he vi ght t 964 m 4 U. C.j20 e e s q. a t Flrd Ci lRi ht Ac ,Fl .S a j 76 1 ,e s q. 2. S. 00 , t e , nd he o i a vi g s t a tt 0. 0 t e . ( #1.Thef l ngfcsaeun o etd. e( f DHS V' M o in frSu r DE ) ol owi a t r c ntse Se De . M S to o mmay J udgm e ,D E #27,pp.1- P1' St t e ofFac s i Suppor ofRes e t M oton nt 13; .s a em nt t n t pons o i f rS o umma y J dg e t DE #4 . r u m n, 4) Pli ifi ar tr d Ci ofMimipo ie o fc r ( lo De ,DE # - ,p.11 . antf s eie t y a lc fi e , Dat n p. 27 1 ) l 1 ,h j ne t Saeo Flrdaa ad i rslc ns e mi ra t nbe a a n 998 e oi d he tt f o i s rve ' ie e xa ne nd he c me n i tga or H e w as lt r ta f r ed t t Fl i H i a Patols Of i e of nves i t . a e r ns e r o he or da ghw y r ' fc Pr e i of ssonalCom plance a w as a nt t r t M i m i of i e as a l tga or i nd ppoi ed o un he a fc n nves i t S e vsr ( lo De ,DE # - ,pp.9 1 ) Efe tve Fe r r 1 201 Plitf up r io . Datn p. 27 1 - 1 . fci b uay , 0, anips di s on w as ta f r ed t D H SM V O fi of t I pec or G e r .Ther Pl ntf vii r ns e r o fce he ns t ne al e ai if s ve as a I tga i Speci it I , unde t s vi i of Deput I pect er d n nves i ton als 1 r he uper son y ns or Ge e a Taou Ki a I p co Ge r lJ i Let rs ( fh rsAf.DE # - , n r l r b ng nd ns e tr nea ule fhei. Le tei f, 27 1 53 DE /1 . ; /) On Thur da O c obe 27, 201 Pl ntf w as i s i i a drve s lcens s y, t r 0, ai if nve tgatng i r' i e e pl m oyee na e A a on Le Pl ntf di c os t Le t t he w oul be goi t K e m d r e. ai if s l ed o e ha d ng o y Lar t f l i da t conduc a i er e r at t a t a ne w ho a l go he olow ng y o t n nt vi w el ed o r i r legedl had y s r d po no a hi vi oso he c l p ne ( lon De ,DE #45 1 p.11 DE #2 2, hae r gr p c de n r e l ho . Dat p. -, ) 7p.1 . e wa findswih t tane ,J n Si ,a pa s d t i o mai n a o t ) Le s re t he r i r e ny ms nd s e he nf r to l ng o her Si snott hers . m ised uper s ,and w ihi s tor r t di cl ur had be r l yed vior t n hor de , he s os e en e a t D e y I pec or G e al K i who notted Pl ntf diec s o put ns t ner ng, is ai ips r t uper s , Capt n vi or ai J f e Di efr y xon,oft i de a i tuc ed hi t c he nci nt nd nsr t m o ancelt Si s i er ew . he m nt vi ( # DE 27- 2, .1 . p ) The Confde i iy A gr em e f t I pec or G e als ofi s a es i i ntalt e nt or he ns t ner ' fce t t , n peri ntpa ,t templ tne rt ha oyeesa ee: gr t pr ec a honor t s ii a confdental nat e of t s o ot t nd he ens tve nd i i ur hi i or a i a nf m ton; nd t di cl e t s i or aton onl i appr i e st tons t a hor z o s os hi nf m i y n oprat iua i o ut i ed ' pes ns(ut rz dpes nswilb ie i da a ho ie b t De t ro a ho ie ro l e d ntse nd ut rz d y he puy l s c o Ge r l) n pe t r ne a. 1under t t ti pr rdicl ur m ay r ul i di ci i y acton up t sand ha m ope s os e es t n s plnar i o a i udi dim is . nd ncl ng s s al ( #2 2,p 6 .Pl itf sg d t s ve so oft Co i e taiy Ag e me t o DE 7- p. 7) an if i ne hi r i n he nfd n ilt r e n n Augus 26,201 See i H e had ea le sgned s t i ly sm ia ver on on A ugus 1, t 0. d. ri r i ubs anta l i l r si t 20 2. e( #2 2, p. 6 . 0 Se DE 7- p 6 ) Ea l on O c ober 28, 2010, Ca ai D i ry t pt n xon c l Pl ntf a t d hi t aled ai if nd ol m he it r iw wi Si h d be n c n e ld. Dat n De , # - , 1 - 3) Hedi n t n e ve t ms a e a c le ( lo p.DE 45 1 pp. 2 1 . h d o e a n why. A fe cont tng Si s' s xpl i tr ac i m uper s t s e why t i e viw ha bee vi or o e he nt r e d n c nc le ,Pli tf c le Ca an Di on b c 1 . Plitf d d no d n ha ng ma e a el d an if al d pt i x a k.(d) an if i t e y vi d t sa e ent t Lee,but Pl ntf w as untqui alt the had notm entoned Si s by he t t m o ai i f voc ha i m na a d a c r n y di n tt i k t theha d ne a t ng wr ng. Dat n De ,DE me n c o di gl d o h n ha d o ny hi o ( lo p. #45 1 p 1 1 ) Ca an Dion,ho ve ,sae t ti wa i p op it i o d s u s - , p. 4- 5 . pti x we r tt d ha t s na pr rae i ic s t t os c s s wih a bod o sde t u t' Dat n De ,DE #45 1 p.1 ) s e alo h e a e t ny y uti he ni. '( lo p. -, 4) e s ( xo De , #46- , 1 DE #2 2, 2 . Di n p.DE 1 p. 9; 7- p. ) Re i ng t Pl ntf was ups by t s alzi hat ai if et he ugges i t ton h a he had vi a ed t ol t deparm entpolcy, Capt n Di ca l d hi ba . I w a durng t s c lt t Pl ntf t i ai xon le m ck t s i hi al ha ai if expr s d t he f tlke he w' bei tea e unf il a i pari ar es e hat el i as ng r t d ary nd n tcul , r i ng l s , ece vi es f vor bl t f m al e pl a a y han e e m oyees ( lonDe ,DE # - ,p 1 - 7 .Plitf rfre . Dat p. 45 1 p. 6 1 ) an if eer d s cii aly t a he e pl ye , Chr si Gr ce who i 2009 tl a hos ie w or pe fc l o not r m o e itne a y, n sed tl k e r e cl m agai tPl ntf . (d;DE #2 1 p 39-4) Grc y' alg tonsal nvionm nt ai ns ai if 1 . 7- , p. 4 . a e s le ai l wer de er i t be eihe çl ounded' or S ots t ned' and r uled i e t m ned o t r lJnf ' ç N usai ' es t n no acton i a is Pli if ( #27 1 pp.3 - .Howe e , Pl ntff aleged t Gracey had gan t antf DE -, 944) v r ai i l hat f brca e t cl m sand t s s d ha be dici i d accor ngl . a i t d he ai hat he houl ve en s plne di y Pl ntf t ai if ook t f tt G r ey w as notdi ci i d f he tf s a unf he ac hat ac s plne or r ûal e nd ounde alega i d l tons '( ' DE , #1 ! 1 ,a e d nc o afmaee oy eben te tdmor fvo a y A ddii l , 4) s vie e f e l mpl e ig r ae e a rbl tonaly, . he bele d t t D e y I pect Gener K i s d have be dici i i ve ha put ns or al ng houl en s plned f or pe m itng a Gube na oralFelow t st i on a cas m e i , ( lo De ,DE # 1 r ti r t i l o i n e etng Dat n p. 45- , pp. 1 1 Lehhe i A f . DE #27- , p. 5 .I lgh of wha he f l wa dipa ae 6- 7; rs f, 1 3) n i t t et s s rt tea m ent Pl ntf t d Capt n Di r t , ai if ol ai xon t he i ended t tl hi ow n hosie w or hat nt o 5e s tl k e r ent com pl i and a com pl nt w ih t Equal Em pl e Opporuniy nvionm a nt ai t he oym nt t t Co s i n ($ mmiso i EEOC' .Ca t i Di n s r d t s i o mai n wih De ut I pe t r ' p an xo ha e hi nf r to t p y ns c o ) Ge e a Kig.Di De DE # 2 p. 0 . we rnoc mplitwa r c i db t n r l n ( xon p. 27-, 5 ) Ho ve, o an s e eve y he pe s n ld p rme t ( o rDe , #2 2, 2 . r o ne e a t n . Co pe p.DE 7- p. 4) On et M onday,Novem be 1, 201 orTues iher r 0 day,N ovem be 2, t D ici i r r he s plna y A c i Revi w Boar m et Is m e ber i uded t chi of pe s ton e d . t m s ncl he ef r onnel t ge r ne al , he couns ,l pec orG ener Lefhers D e y l pec orGe a K i , a Ca ai Di el ns t al t i , put ns t ner l ng nd pt n xon. ( ngDe , # 1 pp. - 2)Le t rsDe DE #4 - , p.1 11 DE #4 p. ) At Ki p.DE 27- , 61 6 fhe i p. 8 1 p 0- ; 4, 7 . t m ee i l pec or Ge al Lefhers deci t t r i e Pl ntf s em pl ent he tng, ns t ner t i ded o e m nat ai if oym . ( fhe i De ,DE # 1 p.1 ) One o t da lt r o No mbe 3,Pli tf Le t rs p. 48- , 2 , r wo ys ae , n ve r an if r ei ec ved a t s ence l te i or i hi t t he ha bee fr d, e f tve wo- ent e t r nf m ng m ha d n ie f ec i i daey;idi no e anwhy.DE # - p. ) mme itl t d t xpli ( 27 2, 7 , l t 1 m ont t t t a n he 4 hs ha he bove- t ed a i has be n pendi D e e nt has syl cton e ng, f nda c it l sa ed t tPl i if s em pl e w as t r i t be ons senty t t ha a ntf ' oym nt e m na ed caus he br he t e eac d he Contdentalt Agr e .Def nt fl is M oton f Sum m ar J i i iy eem nt knda itd t i or y udgm e at t nt he cos o dsov r TheCo r n w tr t whehe Dee da ti e tte t j me ta a l e f ic ey. u t o uns o t r fn n s nild o udg n s m a t rofl w . te a I .LEGAL STANDARD I Su r j me ti a pr p it wh r te pla i sa s ppo tn mae il mmay udg n s p o rae e e h e dng nd u rig tras esabls t tt e i no genui is ast any m at r a f ctand t tt m ovi pary i t ih ha her s ne s ue o e il a ha he ng t s e ildt j me a amatroflw.Se Fe R. v. 5 , l e Cop.v Car t, ntte o udg nt s te a e d. Ci P. 6. otx r . tet Ce 47 U. 31 ,32 ( 98 . s o t eprncpa p pos soft s mma yj me tr l 7 S. 7 2 1 6) é one f h i i l ur e he u r udg n u e i t i olt and di pos off ualy uns s o s ae s e act l uppored cl m s ordef ns ' Cel e 477 U . t ai e es.' ot x, S. a 323-24. t The m ovi pa t bea st bur n ofpoi i t t par oft r d t ts s ng ry r he de ntng o he t he ecor ha how t a ence of a genui is ofm at r a f t See Adi he bs ne s ue e i l ac . ckes v.S. Kre s dr Co. 398 H s , U, 1 ,1 7 ( 97 ;Ale v T on Fo s I c ,1 1 F. 64 6 ( 1h Ci.1 97 . S. 44 5 1 0) ln . ys od , n . 2 3d 2, 46 1 t r 9 ) Once t m ovi pary es a i hes t abs he ng t t bls he ence of a genui is of m a eral f ct t ne s ue t i a , he bur n s hst t nonm ovi pary t go beyond t pl ngs a des gna e 's fc de hi o he ng t o he eadi nd i t specii 5 f t s ac s howi t t t r i a genui i s f t i .' Cel e 477 U . . at324;s al ng ha he e s ne s ue or ral ' otx, S ee so Ch ne,I c v Ialan Acie aro a. l . 9 F 2 1 a l n. . t i tv we fFl , nc, 31 d 472,1 7 ( 1h Ci.1 1 47 1 t r 99 ) . ( l n t t t e no vi pa t mus û ome f wa d wih sgnii a t probatve hodi g ha h nmo ng ry td c or r t i fc n , i e denc de onsr tng t exi t nceofat i e i s off t vi e m t a i he s e rabl s ue ac . '. ' ) S mma' j dg n ma be i pp o it e n whee t pa te a e on t t su l u me t y na r prae ve y r he ris gre he basc f ct ,but diagr e about t f ual i er i a s s e he act nf ences t t s d be dr wn fom t ha houl a r h ese f c s' War i r To l e Tr ns Co,I v.M VV Nan Fung, 695 F. 1 , 1296 a t. ' ro mbkbe a p. . nc 2d 294 . ( 1h Ci.1 3) On amoto f rs 1 t r 98 , in o ummayj gme t tec ur mus viw t e d nc r ud n, h o t t e he vie e a r sol al i e e nd e ve l nf r nces i t lght m os f vor e t t nonm ovi pa t . See n he i t a abl o he ng ry Ande s v.fi t Lobb , 1 . 47 U. 2 255 ( 98 .Ho ve ,ame e s i il o r on bery y nc, 7 S. 42, 1 6) we r r cntla f e de i s vi nce n uppor oft nonn ng pa t s poston i i ufi entt def ta m oton t he novi ry' ii s ns fci o ea i f rs mmayj gme t Se i.a 2 2.I t e de eo frdbyt no vigpat i o u r ud n . e d t 5 fhe vi nc fee he nmo n ry s m e el col a e ori notsgnii nty pr i , s r y or bl s i fca l obatve ummayj g n i pr p r Se i a r ud me t s o e . e d. t 249-50. 1 1 DI 1 . SCUS ON SI Pl ntf brngs hi cl m s unde Til V1 a t Fl i Ci lRi s A ct Bot ai if i s ai r te 1 nd he orda vi ght . h lw s pr bi empl r f om dic i i tng on t bas s of r e and pr e f om a ohi t oye s r s r m na i he i ac ot ct r r t laton em pl e ai i oyees who com pl i a a n boutunl w f e pl ent ac i tes. Def nts a ul m oym tvii enda ' Moin s e s to e ks ummayj g nto a1f rc unsofPli ipsCo an However, r ud me n l ou o t antf mplit . snce D ef ndant fl is M oton, t pa te si l td t d s s wih prj c t i e ied t i he ris tpu ae o imis t eudie he gende di c i i ton cl m s 2 l vi bef e t s Cour onl Pl i i fs cl m s of r s rm na i ai , ea ng or hi t y a ntf ai rtlai i vi ai ofTil V1 ( un 1 a t Flrd Cii RihsAc ( n 11 eaiton n olton te l Co t ) nd he oia vl g t t Cou t 1) . On t s c uns Dee ntagu s t ti i e ild t j dg nta a matr o lw he e o t, fnda r e ha t s ntte o u me s te f a bec e Pl ntf has f ied t e t bls a prm a f ci r ala i cl i a , i t aus ai if a l o s a ih i a e et i ton a m nd n he at na i t tt ca s d be dim is be e Pl ntf wiluly w ihhel r e ler tve, ha he se houl s s ed caus ai if lf l t d el vant i or a i durng di cove y about hi m edi and m ent healh t e t e . U pon nf m ton i s r s cal al t r a m nt ca ef c i a i of t r cor a t pl di , t Cour tnds t tD ef ndant s r ul ons der ton he e d nd he ea ngs he ts ha e ' M oton s d be gr nt i houl a ed. A. c r Evde ei I s f intt Esa ih aPrmaFa i Reaito Cli Re o d i nc s n upce o tbls i ce tlain am Til V I pr bis an em pl r f om r t i i a ns an empl te I ohi t oye r e alatng gai t oyee dbeca e he s us hasoppos any pr tce m a an unl ulem pl entpr c i by t s s ed ac i de awf oym a tce hi ubchapt , or er be us he has m ade a c ge t s ii d,as it d,or pa tci t i a m a r i a ca e har , e tf e sse ri pa ed n ny nne n n i e tg to pr e di o h a i g un rt ss bc p e . 42 U. C.j 2 0 - G nv si ai n, oc e ng, r e rn de hi u ha t r' ' S. 00 e 3. $ To e t b ih ap i f c er t lai cam,t pl itf mus s w:( )t the e a e i sa ls rma a i e aiton li he an if t ho 1 ha ng g d n sau orl p o e t d e r s i ( t a h s fr d a a ve s e o n a ton;a d t tt iy r t ce xp e son; 2) h t e ufe e n d r e mplyme t c i n ( )t tt r i s mec us lrlto hi b t e t t e nt. Hol l v Re ,1 5 3 ha hee s o a a eains p ewe n he wo ve s' 6ed . no 1 ' F.d 1 5 1 6 ( 1h Ci. 1 97 . A c u ts a l i und r t FRCA i i e i a 3 55 , 5 6 1 t r 9 ) o r' nayss e he s d ntc l t ' us t Fl i a w a pate ned afe Til V I . H ar r v Bl kbus er Ent ' beca e he orda ct s t r t r te l' ' pe oc t m t . Copv 1 9F.d 1 5 1 7 ( lh Ci.1 8 . r , 3 3 38 , 38 1 t r 99 )3 2Ptsan t tepate 'oitStpuai o Dimisl t Prj dieofCouns1 a I ( #5 , t l u to h risj n i lton f s sa wih eu c r t 1 nd V DE 0) he Cour ent e a Or dim isng t gende dic i i i cl mson Oct t er d n der s s i he r s rm naton ai ober l1, 201 ( #51. 3 2.DE ) M Or tui te l de he ysi ' ai pe . ockbu er eover Edecii consr ng Til Vl gui t anal s'ofFRCA cl ms.Har r v Bl ,s sons st Enm 'Cop. 1 9F. 1 85 1 9( 1hCi.1 ) t t r , 3 3d 3 , 38 1 t r 998 . Temi tono e o n i ce ryamaeil a ve s a ton. eCr w or v r nai f mplyme t s lal tral d re ci Se a f d . y Car o l 5 F,d 9 ,9 ( 1h Ci. 08 .TheCo tno a d e s swhehe Pli tf r l, 29 3 61 70 1 t r 20 ) ur w d r s e t r an if ha ofee a y e de e s getn t t a ra on bl j ' c ul fnd t t h ha s frd n vi nc ug sig ha e s a e ul o d i ha e s y esa ihed t t ot rel m ent ofaprm a f ci r a i ton cl m . t bls he wo he e s i a e et la i ai i Pr ec e Expr s on . ot t d es i St ut iy pr e ed expr s on ge r l i ude bot i er com pl nt t at orl ot ct es i ne aly ncl s h nt nal ai s o s pe v s r a a tviisr lt d t f r lflng wih t EEOC. ePikisv Ci o u r io s nd ci te eae o o ma ii s t he Se p n . t f y T mpl Te r e F1 ,267 F. l 1 97 1 01( 1h Ci 2 ) I o ma c an s o e e r ac , a. 3( 1 , 2 1 t r 001 . nf r l omplit f dic i i ton t a s r s al o qua iy aspr ect d e e i See G ol m ih v.Ci s rm na i o upe vi or s lf ot e xpr sson. ds t t y o At r ,99 F. 1 55 ( 1h Ci. 1 3) Rolis v St e o Fl De ' o Zl f mo e 6 2d 1 1 t r 99 ; ln . at f a. p t f w En o c me ,8 8F. 3 , ( 1hCi.1 ) f r e nt 6 2d 97 400 1 t r 989 . To f lunde t s a ut s pr ec i t pl ntf al o m us dem ons r e t t he al r he t t e' ot ton, he ai if s t tat ha ( )o s d a e o n pr cie ()ta h s be tvey beiv d t be una ul 1 ppo e n mplyme t a tc 2 h t e u j ci l le e o lwf u e Til V1 a ( t thi s jci beifwa o j ci l ra on bl.Cl e v nd r te I nd 3) ha s ube tve le s be tvey e s a e ov r . Tot 5'' S r s,I c, 1 F. l1 4 3 ( 1h Ci.1 9) The e o rs c nd t al .y5 e v . n . 76 3t 3 6,1 51 1 t r 99 , . ' . mpl ye ' o uc n e no ha a t l be n u a u ,G o l ng a (h pli tf lde nsr t s a go e d t ve cual e nlwf l ç o s t e a n if mo ta e y s od f t r as bl be i f t t t e pl r w as engaged i unl w f empl ent aih, e ona e le ha he m oye n a ' ul oym pr ci e . Bl k se , 1 9 F.d a 1 88 (n e a q t ton ma ks o i e . Th a tc s' oc bu t r 3 3 t 3 i tm l uo ai ' r m t d) e t e pl m oyee m us a l tc m uni at a be i t tdi crm i ton i occ rng.Webb v.R t t eas om c e lef ha s i na i s ur i & B Hol n Co. I c ,99 F.Su dig , n ' 2 pp.1 8 1 9 ( D .Fl .1 ) $ ti no e ug f r 3 2, 38 S. .a 998 . û s t no h o 1 t e pl he m oyee m er y t com pl n a el o ai bouta c t n polc orcerai be orofco- or r erai iy t n havi w ke s a r y on t em pl nd el he oyer t i z t t dicrm i ton has occ r ' 1 A n em pl o nf r ha s i na i ur ed.' d. oyee' s 8 beift ta a ves e o me ta to i u a uli no obe tveyr aon bl i h o l ha n d re mply n cin s nlwf s t j ci l e s a e f e r e s i ia a e ofl tm a e, non- s rm i t y r ons'f t ac i . he s tw r egii t di c i na or eas ' or he ton Vis nv De 'o n o . p tf Cor ectons Fl .s 672 F.Supp.2d 1 , 1 60( D, a. 9) r i , a 247 2 N. Fl 200 . At t tm e Pl i if s empl ent w as t r i t , he had not fl a EEOC he i a ntf oym e m na ed ied n c mpli t Se ( #1 p,5, Dalon D e ,D E #45-1 p. 1 ) Pli tf ha ,h v r o an . e DE , ' t p. , 7 . a n if d owe e , e es d t a s rvior Ca ai Di , t t he i ended t do s . xpr se o upe s , pt n xon ha nt o o ( #27 2,p.2; DE - D at De ,DE #45-1 p.1 ) Pli ipsp o e ta s bs q ntdic i n ton cams lon p. , 7 . antf r t s nd u e ue s rmia i li v u aiy dimis d wih prj die fo t sa to wee b s d o Plitf beif olntrl s se t eu c r m hi cin r a e n anifs le t tf al em pl ha em e oyeesw oul notbe i tgat d f t s et ofdi cl ur . d nvesi e or he am ype s os e Asu ngt s fcs Plitf woudne dt prvet thsb le wa o j ci l s mi ho e a t, anif l e o o ha i eif s be tvey r ona e.Pl ntf c eas bl ai ips ompl nt t Capt n D i f l ed Capt n D i ai o ai xon olow ai xon i tuctng ns r i Pl ntf t hi i er ew i K e La go had bee c ai i f hat s nt vi n y r n ance l d a Pl ntf a ki Ca ai le nd ai i f s ng pt n Di wheher he was unde i tgaton f s rng confdentali or a i w ihout xon t r nvesi i or ha i i i nf m ton t a t rz ton.( lo De ,DE # - ,pp.1 1 Dion De ,DE # - , pp.1 - 9 . u ho iai Dat n p. 45 1 4- 5; x p. 46 1 8 1) Pl ntf s pe ed he was;Ca ai Di onl c m uni at d t t i w as a m iconduc ai if us ct pt n xon y om c e ha t s t is e. Di o De , #46 1 p.1 Dat De , #45 1 p 1 ) s u ( x n p. DE - , 9; lon p.DE - , 5 . . How e , t r or f t do not i c e t Pl ntf was gi n f m al or ver he ec d ac s ndi at hat ai if ve or i or alnotfc i ofa i tga i orpendi dici i , a t Cour a eesw ih nf m i aton ny nves i ton ng s plne nd he t gr t Pl ntf t Vi on i ditnguiha e on t ba s t t he e Pl ntf had t i e ai i f hat ns s s i s bl he si ha r ai i f o nf r pot i l di ci i y c ges Regar es of whe her Pl i if c d have esabls enta s plnar har . dl s t a ntf oul t i hed a ti ha , prm a f ci di c i i ton cl m , t e Cour fnds t t consr ng t f t i hi f vor i a e s rm na i ai 4 h t ui he ac s n s a , Pl i ifse es i w a pr e ed. antf xpr s on s ot ct i.Caus Connecton i al i ; es a ih a ca alconne i a pl ntf m us s û To t bls us cton, ai if t how t tt decii m ake s ha he s onr wer awa e of t pr ec ed conduc , a t t pr ec ed actviy a t adve s e r he ot t t nd hat he ot t i t nd he re ac i wer not w holy unr a ed. Cl e t por pr m iy be w ee t pr ec ed tons e l el t os em al oxi t t n he ot t ac i t and t a se ac i m a be s ûci t s tviy he dver ton y uf ent o how t t t o w e e notwholy hat he w r l u r lt d'Sh no v Belouh Tee o ,I . 2 F.d 71 71 - 7 ( 1h Ci. 002 n ea e . an n . ls t lc mm. nc, 92 3 2, 6 1 1 t r 2 ) ' ( iai a q t ton m a k omi e .Bu a e t a ii na cic tnta e de e cttons nd uo a i r s t d) t bs n ddto l r umsa i l vi nc , t m e e t m por pr m iy m us le S r cl e.'Cl Cozn/ Sc r e al oxi t t 7 k y os ' ark ve / y hoolD i .v.Br st eede n, 5 2 U. 2 ,2 ,1 3 S. 68 73 21S. .1 08 ( 001 . rsh vehed t tmor t n t r emo h Ct 5 2 ) Cou t a l ha e ha h e nt s i t dit nt t es a ih a ca alconnec i se i ;Thomas v.Coo Li i I . s oo s a o t bls us ton, e d. per ghtng, nc , 5 6 F. 1 , 1 3- 4 ( 1h Ci. 2 7) bu t t a f w we ks o ls i ce ry 0 3d 361 36 6 1 t r 00 , t ha e e r e s s lal s tce t Se Ente i v Ci gfpa ma Ci F1 . 3 Fe App' 98 9 ( 1h Ci. ufi in . e r kn . t y na t a , 76 d. y, x 7, 97 1 t r 201 ) faws n v Pl nt i Ge r Hos ,L. ,7 4 F.Su 2 1 4,1 1( D.Fl . 0; o . a aton ne al p. P. 0 pp. d 25 27 S. a 201 . 0) A pl ntf c ai if annotesabls a c alc t ih aus onnec i bas on t por pr m iy i hi ton ed em al oxi t f s pr ect d ac i t occ r afe an a ot e tviy ur ed tr dver e e pl e ac i ha bee cons der oran s m oym nt ton d n i ed 4Though Pl ntf sdicrm i i cl m sar no l ai if s i naton ai e ongerati ue, t Cour not t Pl ntf brefngs ss he t es hat ai ifs i i f l t i iy a sngl sm iary st t em pl aied o dentf i e i l l iuaed oyee whos f abl tea mentc d havepr ded t e avor e r t oul ovi he Courtwih a basi t fnd t tPl ntf had been dicrm i t d agai t SeeM orrs v.Emor Clni,I , t s o i ha ai if s i na e ns . i y i c nc. 40 F.d 1 6 l 2( 1hCi. 5) Plitf ' cam t taf l e o e t da h e o ar tr 2 3 07 08 1 t r 200 . anifs li ha emae mplye ,he ug tr f eied Fl i Hi wa Par mao, ste tdmor lni tyta hewa fralg dl vi ai adfee t orda gh y tol j rwa rae e e enl h n s o le e y oltng ifrn po iywoudb betrc a a trz da ac a g o n p im t a g n rdic i nain. e( lon lc l e te h r ce ie s h r e f e ots h n e de s rmi to Se Dat De ,DE # - ,p 27 3 . p. 45 1 p. - 2) S. i tgaton had been ope i o a em pl entvi a i See Cl k Ct?n/ 532 U . nvesi i ned nt n oym olton. ar p, .y, f a 2 1(i o r n e no s s n pr viusy pln d ta f r u dic e i g t t t7 l Empl ye s e d t u pe d e o l a ne r nse s pon s ov rn ha a Til VI s thasbeen f l and t rpr te 1 ui ied, hei oceedi al lnespr ous y cont m pl ed, ng ong i evi l e at t u h no d fnii l d tr ne , i n e i nc wh tve o c us lt ' ;Syr v ho g t e i tvey e e mi d s o v de e a e r f a a i ' y.) # . T onFo s I .No.5:0- - 61 2011W L 31 3 a * ( . Ga. uy 26 2 1 ys od , nc, 1 CV'1 , 07 45, t 3 M D. J l , 01 ) (i antf c nn e tbls ac us ll b c u ehi pr e t d e e so o t ba i of k i if a ot sa ih a a i e a s s otc e xpr s i n n he ss pl nk age occ r afe hewa plc d o s pe i n f rse pi on d y a a i si a in ured - tr s a e n us nso o le ng ut nd n nve tg to h dbe u ' 'T a v t o a g n.l e l .Ci fDahlne No.2:9- 0l 7 2 1W L 7 06 ,a * ', y o ga, 0 CV- 8 , 01 0 248 t 24 ( D.Ga.A u 2 2011 ( ttng t t te c u a c ne ton wa u e mi d wh r N. g. 4, ) sa i ha h a s l on ci s nd r ne ee i ai ifhad ale been pl i ntf pl r ady aced on adm i s r i l ave a w asbei i tgat f ni tatve e nd ng nves i ed or m ic s onductt uli at y f m ed t ba s f he t m i i whe s fl herEEOC hat tm el or he si or r er naton n he ied c r '. hage' ) Though t s a yss i plca es s m iar f t as t dicusson of whet r hi nal i m i t i l ac s he s i he Pl ntf e es i w a pr ect d,t out e i dif entbe ai ifs xpr son s ot e he com s f er caus t ques i i not e he ton s w hat Pl i if kne but wha a i D ef nt ha ale a ntf w t ctons enda d r ady underaken at t tm e t he i Pl ntf com pl ned ofdi c i i i ai i f ai s rm naton. Pl ntf c m uni ed hi pr es ofw ha he bele w asgende dicrm i i ai i f om cat s ot t t i ved r s i naton t Capt n D i o ai xon, who s ed t t com pl nt w ih hi s r s , Deput I pec or har ha ai t s upe vior y ns t Ge r Ki Bot w e e a ong t fve or m or m em ber of t D i i i y A cton ne al ng. h r m he i e s he scplnar i Revi w Boar K i Dep. D E /27- pp.61 62;LefhersD e DE #48-1 pp.1 1;DE e d. ng , 1 1, t i p. , 0-1 # 4,p. 7 .Pli tf s c mpli t t Ca t i Di n wa ma Oc o r 28 201 a 4 ) an if o an o p an xo s de t be , 0 nd Pli tf r c i d a tr nai n lte o No mbe 3,201 ( #2 - p.7) The an if e eve e mi to etr n ve r 0. DE 7 2, . d cso wa ma et e No mb r1orNo mbe 2. DE #4 p. ) e ii n s de ih r ve e ve r ( 4, 7 . For t pur es of e t bls ng a c alconnec i t o t t e busnes days he pos s a ihi aus ton, w o hr e i s qua ii a çve y c os ' t lf es s t r l e' empor pr m iy.A nd at l tt o of t decii m a s al oxi t eas w he s on- ker w e e a a e ofPl i if s i or alc r w r a ntf nf m ompl nt t hi s vi or H ow ever D ef nda had ai o s uper s . , e nt aleady begun a i tga i i o Pl ntf polcy vi aton a w as cont pl i r n nves i ton nt ai ips i ol i nd em atng dici i a t tm e Pl ntf com pl i t Ca ai D i s plne t he i ai if a ned o pt n xon.The pr xi tng r on f ee s i eas or Def nt st r i ton ofPl ntf em pl entdef t t ca alconnec i bet een enda ' e m na i ai ips oym ea s he us ton w Pl ntf com pl i ofgende dicrm i ton and t a ai ifs a nt r s i na i he dver e em pl e ac i s oym nt ton. B. ai lfDi Not mo taeTha De nda ' Re s n Wa Pr txt l Pl nt d De nsr t f t fe nts a o s ee ua A s um i Pl ntf ha es a i he a prm a f ci cl m ,D ef nda woul s ilbe s ng ai i f d t bls d i a e ai e nt d tl e ild t s nt e o umma y j dg ntbe a e De e ntpu f rh a lgii t ,n n-ea it r t r u me c us fnda t o t e tmae o r tla o y bass f Pl ntf s t r i i and Pl ntf di not dem onsr e t t D ef i or ai if e m naton ai if d tat ha endants ' e a ton w a m er pr e .See Sulian v.NatonalRair xpl na i s e et xt lv i load Pas ge Cor , 1 sen r p. 70 F.d 1 6,1 9 ( 1h Ci.1 99 ( ic sn ho o c a pli ife tbls s a prma 3 05 05 1 t r 9 ) d s us i g w n e antf sa ihe i f ci r ala i cl m ( he bur n s fs t t def ndant t r a e et iton ai i t de hi t o he e o ebut t pr um pton of he es i rtlain';Ma vil v Ci o Co a Gabls 5 F.S p.2 1 0,1 31( D.Fl. eaito ' ) nde le . t f r l y e , 0 up d 32 3 S. a 1 9 (ttn t a i t 9 9) sai g h t f hede e n S o fr a lgii t ,no r t laor r a o f is fnda t s fe s e tmae n-e ait y e s n or t pr empl e de son,'t pr um pton i r t and t bur oym nt ci i ' he es i s ebuted he den s hs bac t t hi k o he plitf t p o t tt d f nd n ' r a o wa p ee t) an if o r ve ha he e e a ts e s n s r t x .. A pl ntf ca pr ai if n ove pr t <eiher diec l by pe s ng t cour t a e ext ' t r ty r uadi he t hat dic i i t y r as m or lkel m otva ed t empl r or i r cty by s i t t s rm na or e on ei y i t he oye ndie l how ng ha t e o rspr fee e a ton i u wo ty ofce e e. T xa De ' o C-f he mplye' o fr d xplnai s n rh r d nc ' e s p t f y. ' A f r v Bu di ,45 U. 2 ,25 1 S.Ct 1 9 (981.$ s r veamoin f r fais . r ne 0 S. 48 6, 01 . 08 1 ) d u vi To to o s mmay j me t t plitf mus de nsrt Suc we k se ,i a sbiiis u r udg n , he anif t mo tae s h a ne s s mplu i l e, t i onsit nci , i ohe e e , or cont adi tons i t em pl ' pr f r l tm at nc s e es nc r nci s r ci n he oyers of e ed egii e r s f isac i t a r ona e f ti ea ons or t ton hat eas bl ac tndercoul fnd t d i hem unw orhy ofc ede '' t r nce.' We ,9 F.S p.a 1 6 ( uo i Co pe - so v Sou h r Ry.Co. 37 F.d 603 bb 92 up t 38 q tng o rHou t n . t e n , 3 , 6 ( 1h Ci.1 4)(n e na ct tonomitd ) 05 1 t r 99 it r l ia i te l . Pl ntf f l t m e t s bur ai i f ais o et hi den.Def nt spr f ed r s f frng Pl ntf enda ' of er ea on or ii ai if wast the dicl ed consdentali or aton a ha s os i nf m i boutan ongoi i s i i i vi aton ng nve tgaton n ol i of t Confdentalt Agr nent a t t t m i ton was a pr crbed f m of he i i iy eef nd ha er na i es i or d s i i .I algi pr t x ,Pl itf f c eso t r e f cs ( )t e d us cou tmi icplne n l ng e e t an if o us n h e a t : 1 h k pi i s i ng e s ofD alon' t r i ton ...w ihi t o bus nes days oft li Ca ai D i t the was t s e m na i t nw i s e lng pt n xon ha g i g t fl a EEOC c mpli ' ( # ,p.11;( d e e da ta gu bl vi a ln o n o ie n o ant' DE 43 ) 2) r f n n r a y olti g) isow n per onnelpolci ...by notf l i pr es i dici i or c t s i es olow ng ogr sve s plne onduc i any tng t ype of f m a i tga i i o t alega i or l nves i ton nt he l tons a ns Pl ntf bef e he was gai t ai if or tr nae ' ( #43 p.11 ;a ( me e so t e dicplna y boa d no s rn wih e mi t d' DE , ) nd 3) mb r f h s i i r r t ha i g t Per onnel Diec or El i Cooper t Pl ntf ha e es ed an i ent t fl a s r t a ne hat ai if d xpr s nt o ie dic i nai n cam . DE #4 p 1 1 ) s rmi to li ( 3, p. 4- 5 . I pa tc a , Pl ntf a gues t t t i s of w het he s n ri ul r ai if r ha he s ue her houl ha bee d ve n i tga ed bef e bei di ci i Gi pe ha t key diput d m at r a f ct i t s nves i t or ng s plned ts r ps he s e e i l a n hi c s .' (d )Pl itf n t st tDe e da a s re i isStt me tofFa t t tDalo a ell' 1 . an if o e ha f n nt s e td n t ae n c s ha t n was not e il t pr e si dici i but t l pec or Gene al J i Lefhe i ntted o ogr s ve s plne hat ns t r ule t rs idia e i he d posto t tp o r s i dic p i a ple t a le o e . e ( # n c t d n r e ii n ha r g e sve s i lne p is o 1 mpl ye s Se DE 2 ! 1 ) ( fhe i De ,DE #48 1 p.1 ) Ho ve ,Pli if d s no dip e t 7, 8 ; Le t rs p. - , 5 . we r antf oe t s ut he l anguage ofPolcy 3. he onl diput D ef ntsunder t ng of i.Def nt i i 06; y s es enda ' s andi t enda , n isRe y,em phaszes t tt pl i l nguage ofPolc 3. cl ry s a es i a i onl t pl i ha he a n a i y 06 ea l t t t pples y t Car r Ser ce em pl o ee vi oyees a cl s t w hi Pl ntf di notbel , as o ch ai if d ong,and t tr i e ha elanc o a c ntay sa e nti de sto i wih uta t rt ( /5 ! 2 .The Co t n o r r tt me n po iin s t o u ho iy. DE / 2, ) ur a C gr CS, Pl ntf alo not t a i tga i cas number was as i ai if s es hat n nves i ton e sgned t hi l ak of o se i o mai t Le bu no f r live tg ton wa c mplt d. DE #4 !33;DE #48 1 nf r ton o e t o ma n sia i s o ee ( 4, -, p. 1 ) Plitf a gu s t tt e plnai n f rt s de a i fo polc i o ou : 5 . an if r e ha he x a to o hi viton r m iy s bvi s On e t e d pa t n ' de t i pe t r ge e a S c me a r o ( an ifs sa e c h e rme ts pu y ns co n r l s a be wa e f Pli tf ) tt d i e t fl an EEO C com pl ntagai the ,t f m ali s i ton a t pr es i nt nt o ie ai ns r he or nve tga i nd he ogr sve dici i r pr s N e a r l abandoned, a i t s plna y oces es ver ppa enty nd ns ead, a D ici i y A cton s plnar i Re e Boa dwa ha tl c n n d t tr na ePli tf. ( #43 p.1 . viw r s siy o ve e o e mi t a n if' DE , 2) ' How e ,l ng a t r or f ct i t lght m os f vor bl t Pl ntf ver ooki t he ec d a s n he i t a a e o ai if pa tc a l as um i t tD ef ndantde at f om is own e pl entpolci s by not ri ul ry, s ng ha e vi ed r t m oym ie i s i tng Pl ntf be or t di cplnar m ee i or is ng pr es i dici i nve tga i ai if f e he s i i y tng s ui ogr sve s plne i t ad oft r i ton f wha w a appar l a ûr ttm e ofens - pl ntf hasneiher ns e e m na i or t s enty s -i f e ai if t pe s r uaded t Cour t t a dicrm i or r as w as m or lkel t ba s f hi he t ha s i nat y e on e i y he si or s dim i s lnor c tenough doubt on t Def ndants pr f r d e anaton t srp i of s sa as he e ' of e e xpl i o ti t cr edence.Te m i i w a an a ove dici i f Pl i ifs vi aton ofde rm e r naton s ppr d s plne or a ntf ol i pa t nt polc a Pl i ifhasnotdone m or t postan ale natve t y f hi frng.Tha iy, nd antf e han i t r i heor or s i i t i i ufi i nt t r but t l tm a e, non- et i t y r on D ef nda pr f r f s ns fc e o e he egii t r ala or eas e nt of e ed or Pl i if s t m i ton.See Be ly v.Or antf tr na i nte ange Count Fl ,445 Fe App' 306,31 y a. d. x 0 ( 1h Ci. 1 )( di t te n i pl itf ma ou aprma f ce ca m i wo d n 1 t r 20 1 hol ng ha ve f an if de t i a i li t ul ot de onsr t t tt e pl r s ûl tm at r ons f frng he - f a a dihones y m ta e ha he m oye ' segii e eas or i i r r ud nd s t a vi ltn t la polc we eapr tx f rt eunlwf dic i n ton'. nd o ai g he e ve iy r ee t o h a ul s rmi a i ' ) M or over i i ir e nt whe he Pl ntf ca pr e , t s r el va t r ai if n ove t he s d ha be hat houl ve en dici i m or l enty or e t D e e ntus Pl ntf polc vi a i as an s plned e eni l ven hat f nda ed ai ifs i y ol ton e xcus t fr hi . I a r a i i cl m ,Pl ntf m us dem onsr e t t a e o ie m n et laton ai ai if t tat hat he dver e s e oy n a to wa i rt la in f h so j c i t e o n p a tc su a ul mpl me t ci n s n ea ito or i b e ton o mplyme t r ci e nlwf under Til Vl a t t D e e te I nd ha f ndants as e ton of enf ci a de t ent polc w as ' s ri or ng parm iy pr t xt . I i not f t s Cour t deci whe he D ef e e ual t s or hi to de t r endant ac ed uns m l but t ee y, whe herD ef ntvi a ed Til VI .Pl ntf ha f l t do s t enda olt te l ai i f s aied o o. C. fe ntsAr me f Dimis Ba e on Unce nHand a Fr De nda ' gu nt or s sal s d la s nd aud Dee da a g e ,a a atr tve bai f s mmay j me t ta Plitf fn nt r u s s n lenai ss or u r udg n , h t anif w iluly wihhe d r eva i or a i durng di c y about hi m edi al and m ent lf l t l el nt nf m ton i s over s c al healh te t e a t ,t ef e, i w oul be a opr a e f t Cour t s i t r a m nt nd hat her or t d ppr i t or he t o ancton Pl i if by dim i sng hi cl m s H ow e r t Cour need not a e t s ale atve antf s si s ai . ve , he t ddr ss hi t m i a gum entbeca e sndi f Def ndanton Pl ntf f l e t esabls a prm a f e r us ng or e ai ifs aiur s o t ih i aci r t iton cl m and t dem onsr t pr e a e dipostve oft s c e. e ala i ai o ta e et xt r s ii hi as I CONCLUSI V. ON Afer ca ef cons der ton a t Cour bei ot wi e f l advi e i i t r ul i a i nd he t ng her s uly s d, t s O RD ER ED , ADJUD G ED, and D EC REED t t D e e nt s M oton f Sum m ar ha f nda ' i or y J g n ( # )be a i he e y, ud me t DE 27 , nd s r b GRANTED. DO NE AND ORD ERED i Cham be s at t Ja e La r nce Ki Fe al n r he m s w e ng der J tc Buidi and Unied St t Courhous M i i Fl i t s 26t da ofO c ober usi e l ng t a es t e, am , orda, hi h y t , 201 2. ' .; .7 . ( > ' W .-- J M ES LA W REN CE K I ' NG a. .' ? z . * < ' - ., ' . . . ' . I TED STATES DI STRI J CT UDGE , ' ; i SOUTHERN DI STRI OF FLORI A , CT Cc: Co e fo Pl nt uns l r ai W Chr s opher Char esShar it l p Sha Law Fim ,P. . m r A 4462 N orh U ni s t Dr ve t ver iy i La hil FL 33351 uder l, 9547479777 Fax:91 9041 9- Emalc haplw@ a lc m i: s r a o.o Couns l rDe nda efo fe nt G l A len Bas et ,1 en l s t 1 Ofi oft Atom ey G e al fce he t ner The Capiol PLt , 01 Ta l has e,FL 32399-1 la se 050 850- 441 3300 Fax:8504884872 Emalgln. set myiordae a.om i: e ba s t@ i l: lc g ' .. M i iV i en Turi m vi n Ofs oft Ator Ge al tce he t ney ner 11 SE 6t St e 0 h r et 10t Fl h oor Ft La . uder e FL 33301 dal , 954- 271 4600 Fax:9545273702 Emalmi , i i: mit n@myoo iaeil o ur rd lëa. m c 1 7
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