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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Cemetery groundskeeper fired for refusing to illegally violate graves, suit alleges

Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves

Port Neches resident Julian Robles has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Greenlawn Memorial Park, alleging he was fired for refusing to break open unknown burial containers without a court order.

The suit was filed May 10 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the petition, Robles worked as a groundskeeper for the Groves cemetery.

Allegedly, his supervisor ordered him to do the following:

  • Not inform family members when damage occurred to existing caskets;

  • Break open unknown burial containers without a court order;

  • Relocate caskets to make room for future caskets without informing family members;

  • Dig holes for caskets that were not as deep as required;

  • Break seals on outer burial containers without informing public;

  • Pump diesel fuel into the ground and not tell anyone; and

  • Alter paperwork.

    Robels was fired after he refused to commit the above listed illegal acts, the suit alleges.

    He claims the defendant acted with malice, entitling him to punitive damages on top of his lost wages and benefits.

    Attorney Chris Portner of the Beaumont law firm Portner Bond represents him.

    Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.

    Case No. D192-435

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