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A Pennsylvania man, Asante Denton, has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, Universal Protection Service, LLC, doing business as Allied Universal, alleging discrimination due to his diabetes and wrongful termination. The legal complaint, filed on September 11, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, claims violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Denton, who began working as a Security Officer for Allied Universal in 2016, managed his duties while also dealing with diabetes, a condition requiring careful attention. On August 9, 2023, during an overnight shift, Denton experienced a severe diabetic episode, leaving him fatigued. He informed his supervisor, Ben Lehr, of his condition and requested to leave early to manage his health. However, Lehr refused and demanded that Denton complete his shift, even after Denton expressed concerns about his safety.
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After further discussion with Lehr the following day, Denton was suspended for “abandoning his post” and later terminated on August 29, 2023. Denton contends that Allied Universal was aware of his diabetes and his need for accommodations, including leaving work early during diabetic episodes. The lawsuit accuses the company of failing to provide reasonable accommodations, retaliating against Denton for requesting them, and interfering with his rights under the FMLA by not acknowledging his medical needs.
Denton seeks back pay, front pay, compensation for emotional distress, punitive damages, pre-judgment interest, and coverage of legal fees. The case, assigned Civil Action No.: 1:24-cv-01549-CCC, will be presided over by Judge Christopher C. Conner, with attorney Benjamin Salvina from Marzzacco Niven & Associates representing Denton.
