Alleging he was passed over because of his race, John Cezar has filed a discrimination suit against his employer, Jefferson County.
The suit was filed Oct. 2 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to his suit, Cezar began his employment with Jefferson County as a gardener May 27,
2007. On Aug. 8, 2007, a position opened for a maintenance utility technician. John
Wanting to make more money, Cezar applied for the position.
"John Cezar is African American," the suit says. "The Maintenance Utility Technician position was awarded to Andrew Neely. Mr. Neeley is Caucasian. Mr. Neeley was less qualified for the position of Maintenance Utility Technician than John Cezar.
"John Cezar alleges that the decision to award the Maintenance Utility Technician position to Andrew Neely was motivated in whole or in part by racial discrimination in violation of the Texas Labor Code."
Cezar is suing the county for back- and front-pay, punitive and compensatory damages including mental anguish and attorney's fees.
On Aug. 7,2008, Cezar received a notice of right to file civil action issued by the Texas Commission on Human Rights.
The plaintiff is represented by Houston attorney Michael Kerensky.
The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield of the 136th District Court.
Case No. D182-482