For Immediate Release
Contact: Pat Sorek
Phone: 412-261-1600
Email: psorek@leechtishman.com

Press Statement

PITTSBURGH, PA October 1, 2003 - A federal court jury awarded former Plum Borough Police Chief Terry Focareta $1.48 million in damages in one of the region’s largest-ever whistleblower verdicts.

Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl partner and leader of the firm’s Litigation group, Pat Sorek, served as counsel for Focareta.  He filed the case against Plum Mayor John Schmeck, Plum Solicitor Bruce Dice and seven council members on four claims--two under the First Amendment, one on the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law and one for breach of contract.  Sorek won on all four counts.  Judge Ambrose will rule shortly on whether Focareta will regain his position as police chief.   If she decides it is in his best interest not to return to work, Focareta will receive additional compensation.

Sorek‘s case was based on the argument that Focareta was punished because of his actions as a whistleblower.  Focareta reported on illicit investigations the Mayor was conducting against borough police officers, and ensured that the law was enforced against various family members of Plum Borough council.  Focareta claimed he was fired last January in retaliation for his work.

Chief Focareta is a dedicated and principled public servant,” said Sorek.  “He was willing to defend those principles at the risk of his livelihood.  His vindication by a jury, and the award of substantial damages, is a signal to those in law enforcement to continue doing the jobs they were trained to do.”

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