TYLER-An East Texas group home for individuals with mental retardation is being sued by an employee for not paying overtime compensation.
Claiming violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, J.D. Brownlee filed suit against Pace Opportunity Centers Inc. on Oct. 19 in the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division.
Brownlee states he worked as a direct care staff member and it was his job to care and oversee individuals with mental retardation, provide personal social adjustment, recreation, social skills training and maintain a safe and clean home environment.
He was required to live in the facility for a total of 19 hours each day Monday through Friday and for a total of 15.5 hours on Saturday and Sunday. The staff member claims he never received overtime compensation for the hours worked in excess of 40 hours during any one work week.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for unpaid overtime, liquidated damages, attorney's fees, costs and interest.
Brownlee is represented by Henry T. Skelton of Kugle, Skelton & Bennett in Athens. Jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis is assigned to the case.
Case No. 6:10-cv-00552