GULFPORT, Miss. (Legal Newsline) – Chevron is suing a former employee over allegations he awarded contracts to friends for kickbacks.
Chevron USA Inc. filed a complaint on June 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi against Ted (Darin) Matthews alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation, civil conspiracy, unjust enrichment and conversion.
The suit states the defendant was the former operations and maintenance supervisor at the plaintiff's Pascagoula Refinery in Mississippi and allegedly would award contracts to friends who would give him kickbacks or otherwise provide personal favors.
"Because of his actions, Matthews profited at Chevron U.S.A.’s expense – Chevron U.S.A. paid millions for contracts that were obtained in violation of its policies, in various overcharges, and in charges for services never provided, all while Matthews lined his own pockets and used his ill-gotten funds to acquire assets, including but not limited to recreational vehicles, boats and real estate," the suit states.
The plaintiff is seeking trial by jury, punitive damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, court costs and other relief deemed fit. The plaintiff is represented by Michael J. Bentley of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in Jackson, Mississippi.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi case number 1:19-CV-00353