Former TMC: The Mining Company manager Roy Puente has filed a lawsuit against Caven Enterprises Operations Supervisor Donald Solomon, President Gregg Kilhoffer and CFO Ben Polachek. Puente, who is acting as his own attorney, claims the three made false and defamatory statements against him.
In his suit, Puente is claiming libel and slander and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Puente worked for Caven from November 2010 until September 2011.
Caven issued the following statement in response to Puente’s lawsuit:
“Caven Enterprises is aware of the suit that has been filed by Mr. Puente against certain of its managers. The managers and the company dispute the basis for the lawsuit and intend to vigorously defend the case. We look forward to resolving this case through the judicial process.”
The defendants filed exceptions to the suit, and the first hearing will be held on Nov. 16.
The case is set for non-jury trial on Nov. 4, 2013, with mediation ordered before that date.