Manvel resident's 'tar baby' lawsuit comes to a close

HOUSTON - A lawsuit in which a Manvel resident alleged that he was called a "tar baby" and ultimately fired was recently closed.

An agreed stipulation of dismissal between the parties in Vance L. Crosby's suit against Philip Holdings LLC brought forth the end of the nearly year-old litigation.

Crosby sued the company in Houston federal court on June 11, 2012, on allegations it intentionally interfered with his ability to be employed as a driver due in part to his African American heritage.

The original petition stated that the plaintiff complained to management “on more than one occasion” about specific incidents of racial discrimination and racially offensive comments, including being referred to a as “tar baby.”

It further claimed the race-based mistreatment continued despite his talks with management, stating other black drivers were also subjected to racial epithets.

One employee stated he "always wanted to shoot a black one," the suit pointed out.

The respondent fired Crosby in August 2005.

The stipulation entered May 2 states the complainant's claims "have been fully compromised and settled," effectively dismissing the company.

In the same document, the defendant correctly identified itself as PSC Industrial Outsourcing LP.

U.S. District Court Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. signed a dismissal order the same day.

Attorney Katrina S. Patrick of the Law Offices of Katrina Patrick in Houston represented Crosby while attorney Greta Ravitsky of Epstein Becker & Green P.C. in Houston served as the defense's counsel.

Case No. 12-CV-1749