Theft allegations, racial harassment against Conroe man result in lawsuit

HOUSTON - Complaining that National Oilwell Varco LP "forced [him] to endure racial and ethnic slurs in an intimidating and increasingly hostile work environment" before terminating him, Conroe resident Adrian Martinez has filed a lawsuit. 

Recent court papers filed Dec. 11 in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division claim Martinez was mistreated because of his Hispanic heritage, and though he helped nab the culprits behind stolen inventory from the company, the plaintiff was accused in facilitating the alleged wrongdoing and then fired.

The defendant hired Martinez to its well site services division in Conroe in September 2003.

Martinez shows he "was an outstanding employee" who possessed "a record free of discipline", however, his time with the respondent was reportedly marred by "continuous racial harassment and complete disregard for company policies and laws that prohibit racial discrimination in the workplace".

According to the complainant, he could not expose those subjecting him to racism because it would have cost him his job though the defendant's policy encourages workers to report any violations.

In the middle of June 2011, someone notified Martinez about a large amount of inventory gone missing for which he launched an inquiry and enlisted the help of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities then arrested several employees, who are all Hispanic, and booked them on theft charges.

The suit further explains the respondent blamed Martinez for the subject thefts though he was not charged or the focal point of any investigation, stating the plaintiff attended a "very hostile and accusatory" meeting in which his superiors threatened and harassed him.

Another meeting apparently similar in nature occurred prior to the company dismissing the complainant "without valid cause" July 18.

A jury trial is requested.

Martinez is representing himself in the litigation.

Case No. 4:12-CV-3595