A former employee has taken legal action against a car dealership, alleging wrongful termination in retaliation for whistleblowing. On October 1, 2024, Thomas Boothe filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against ABC JS Auto Imports, LLC, doing business as Delray Hyundai.
The case revolves around Boothe's claims that during his employment as a Biller at Delray Hyundai from May 28 to September 18, 2024, he was dismissed after raising concerns about illegal activities within the company. According to the complaint, Boothe reported witnessing a Title Clerk forging a customer's signature on a tax form and an Inventory Clerk illegally notarizing it to facilitate an auto sale. When Boothe voiced these concerns to Alina Parilla, the Office Manager, he was allegedly instructed to "keep quiet," suggesting that such practices were standard operating procedures at the dealership.
Boothe continued to express his objections regarding these actions, which he believed violated several state laws including §319.33 and §831.02 of the Florida Statutes and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA). Despite his efforts to address these issues through proper channels within the company’s management structure, Boothe was terminated by General Manager Manny Vallejo and Controller Katie Parker on September 18, 2024.
In his lawsuit, Boothe argues that his firing was retaliatory and in direct violation of Florida's Whistle-Blower's Act (§448.102), which protects employees who report illegal activities or practices by their employers. He asserts that as a result of this unlawful termination, he has suffered damages for which he seeks compensation.
Boothe is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 but less than $75,000 as well as coverage for attorney fees and other related costs under §448.104 of the Florida Statutes. He is represented by Lawrence J. McGuinness of MG Legal Group P.A., based in Coconut Grove, Florida. The case has been assigned number: 502024CA009445XXXAMB Div: AE.