A former Jennings street department supervisor has filed a civil lawsuit against the city, alleging age discrimination amid a hostile work environment.

The lawsuit was filed March 16 by Lake Charles attorney James E. Sudduth III, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on behalf of former city employee Leslie W. Fontenot.

The lawsuit accuses the city violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

Fontenot, who was 60 at the time of termination, is seeking unspecified damages to include, among other things back pay and reimbursement for lost position and training.

Fontenot, who had been employed by the city since December 1998, contends he was forced out of his position and treated less favorably than younger employees due to his age. According to the lawsuit, he was replaced by a younger employee.

Mayor Henry Guinn declined to comment, saying the city does not comment on any pending litigation or personnel matters.

The lawsuit alleges that Fontenot was subjected to an intimidated, hostile and offensive work environment in an effort to force him to resign. The suit claims such actions interfered with his ability to perform his job duties to include intentionally sabotaging and delaying work projects.

Fontenot alleges that he was qualified for the supervisor position and had been employed without issue and without disciplinary action for several years.

Fontenot initially filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last November. In December, the EEOC said it would not proceed further with its investigation and made no determination about whether further investigation would establish violations of the statute.

In a statement provided to the American Press, Fontenot said he had to take a stand for himself and other city of Jennings employees.

Fontenot said he could not believe his career ended on such an awful note after 30 years of faithful service to the city and his community. He said he hopes no one else will ever have to face such indignity and pain.

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A lawsuit presents the grievance of one party against others. It does not present both sides of the issues in question.