Harris County woman sues Kroger, claims discrimination

A Harris County woman is suing Kroger after her position was terminated, claiming discrimination.

Diane L. Bates filed a lawsuit June 18 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Kroger Texas LP and KRPC Inc., citing disparate treatment, discrimination. 

Bates claims she was employed by Kroger as a store manager. The suit alleges during her employment she was treated differently from other employees because of her race, sex and age and she was consequentially wrongfully terminated as a result on Aug. 23, 2012. According to the suit, the defendant showed discrimination by denying Bates promotional opportunities, compensation and continued employment she was entitled to.

Bates is seeking damages, back pay, interest, attorney's fees and court costs. She is being represented by Houston attorney Wendle V. Smith of Anderson and Smith P.C.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case No. 4:14-cv-01713

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Houston Division Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.