Security company sues over confidential client list

A security corporation believes one of its former sales managers is using the company's confidential information, such as customer lists, to draw business to a competing operation.

Patriot Security filed a lawsuit Jan. 20 in Jefferson County District Court against George Adams.

The company claims Adams has access to its confidential information, including contact information and customer lists, which he is using to commence some type of employment advantage with Delta Security and Lofton Security � both companies that compete with Patriot Security.

Adams gained access to the top-secret documents during his work as a sales manager for Patriot from June 11, 2004, through Jan. 14, according to the complaint.

"Defendant's position required him to have contact with the clients, employees and vendors of Patriot, and involved developing and maintaining client relationships, as well as devoting his time and energies to promoting the interests of Patriot," the suit states.

When Adams began working for Patriot, he signed an agreement, promising not to use confidential information in any manner that may be detrimental to the company, the complaint says. However, Adams has reneged on his oath, and Patriot claims it may well receive irreparable harm because of it.

In its complaint, Patriot hopes the court will issue a temporary injunction and eventually a permanent injunction preventing Adams from taking away any of Patriot's customers, from hiring any of Patriot's past or present employees and from soliciting to any of Patriot's customers.

In addition, the company wants to see the court prevent Adams from disclosing its confidential information and from being involved in any way with a competing business.

Patriot Security seeks actual damages, plus attorney's fees, costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

Robert B. Dunham of Sheldon and Dunham in Beaumont will be representing him.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. B189-203