Sparks
A local daycare has filed a counterclaim in a wrongful termination suit, alleging the plaintiff is defaming the business by making false accusations.
As previously reported, Stacy Sparks filed suit against Kiddie Korner Day Care on Dec. 12 in Jefferson County District Court, alleging the Beaumont daycare fired her after reporting a case of possible child abuse.
Court records show the daycare brought its counterclaim on March 26, asserting Sparks is slandering the business.
The counterclaim alleges Sparks has made baseless slanderous comments to other area business about Kiddie Korner and even contacted the state inspector to report a false rat and roach infestation.
The daycare asserts the defamatory statements have caused the business, embarrassment, mental anguish and loss of profits.
The original petition alleges that on Oct. 13 Sparks, while in the course and scope of her employment with KKDC, reported a possible case of child abuse or neglect with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.
The following day, she admitted making the report and was immediately fired by the daycare's administrator.
Sparks claims she was discriminated against and wrongful terminated under the Texas Family Code.
She is suing for punitive damages, lost wages and mental aguish.
Attorney John Werner of the Reaud, Morgan & Quinn law firm represents her.
Provost Umphrey attorney Mark Sparks of Beaumont represents the daycare.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. E191-468