ORLANDO – An African-American man in Orange County claims that he was terminated from his job at a hotel because of his race.
Devarius Cook filed a complaint on May 31 in the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - Orange County against A-R HHC Orlando Convention Hotel LLC, doing business as Hilton Orlando, alleging race discrimination and retaliation.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff began working for the defendant in June 2015 as a washman and sorter and was the only African-American in his workplace. He alleges he was subjected to disparate treatment by Hispanic co-workers and complained of the treatment, but the defendant took no remedial action. The suit states he was terminated on Jan. 20 because of his race.
The plaintiff holds A-R HHC Orlando Convention Hotel LLC responsible because the defendant allegedly retaliated against him by terminating his employment for engaging in a protected activity.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant, remedy lost income, compensatory and punitive damages, reinstatement, interest, costs, attorney's fees and further relief as the court deems just. He is represented by Christopher J. Saba of Wenzel Fenton Cabassa PA in Tampa.
9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - Orange County case number 17-CA-4933