Family Claims Installer Was a Creep

DALLAS (CN) - DirecTV sent a known sex offender to a home where he persuaded a minor to pose for sexual pictures, a Texas family claims in court.

Brian Becker and Eric Becker, of Collin County, sued DirecTV and affiliates, Mastec North America and several subsidiaries, Live Broadband, Wahren Massey and Troy Bassett, on Wednesday in Dallas County Court.

The Beckers claim that Bassett and Massey were sent to their home on Aug. 7, 2012, to perform a DVR upgrade.

"While defendant Bassett occupied plaintiff Brian Becker in discussions about work to be performed in other areas of the house, defendant Massey enticed minor plaintiff to pose for pictured of a sexual nature," the complaint states.

It continues: "Defendant Massey was arrested and has been convicted of sex crimes as a result of the incident. At the time of the installation service in question, defendant Massey was already a registered sex offender and felon. His prior record includes a conviction for burglary of a habitation and a conviction for sexual assault."

The Beckers said they have tried to talk with DirecTV about the incident because they believe it is a "public safety issue," but the company has not responded.

The Beckers claim DirecTV lacks adequate policies to prevent installers and subcontractors from entering customer homes without a proper screening or background checks.

"At no time did DirecTV advise the plaintiffs of the dangers associated with the installers they were providing," the complaint states. "At no time did DirecTV advise plaintiffs they were not involved in the selection of installers who were to enter plaintiffs' home. Plaintiffs took comfort that the installers who entered their home were selected by DirecTV, a large company."

DirecTV disputed the allegations on Thursday, claiming that its installation contractors and subcontractors are required to complete background checks before being allowed to perform installations.

Massey "has no affiliation with DirecTV whatsoever," the company said in an email to Courthouse News. "The actual installer was a Mastec contractor who, in violation of company policy, brought the subject with him. The relationship between Mastec and the contractor was terminated."

Mastec also denied any affiliation with Massey. He was "an unauthorized, non-company" individual, according to Jeff Muoio, Mastec vice president and general manager.

Muoio said on Friday that Mastec conducts "rigorous background checks" of employee and subcontractor technicians.

"While the subcontracted technician passed the background check, he violated the specific policy forbidding any unauthorized individual from accompanying personnel on customer appointments," Muoio said in a statement. "For this, the subcontracted technician was promptly terminated."

The Beckers seek actual and punitive damages for negligence.

They are represented by Robert Crain with Crain Lewis in Dallas.

Follow @davejourno

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit