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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Investigator Screwed Up, Fired Man Says

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (CN) - A man claims in court that an investigation firm falsely reported him as a convicted sex offender, costing him his job.

Jonathan Baker sued the investigator, HireRight Solutions fka USIS Commercial Services, and his former employer, Woods Basement Systems, in Madison County Court.

Baker claims that Woods Basement hired HireRight to investigate him without his consent, and that HireRight's report was not based upon his complete name nor his Social Security number, which he had provided to Woods.

"The background report falsely stated that the plaintiff, Baker, was convicted of a crime for a 'sex offender; and had been convicted of a 'felony' and a 'misdemeanor,'" the complaint states.

"The background report falsely stated that plaintiff, Baker, was charged with 'Public Sexual Indecency - Oral Sexual Contact' and plead [sic] 'Guilty.'"

Baker says Woods Basement because of the false report.

He claims HireRight did not verify his date of birth, middle name or initial, or Social Security number.

He seeks punitive damages against for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent misrepresentation, tortious interference and Fair Credit Reporting Act violations.

Baker is represented by Michael Brunton of Collinsville, Ill., who did not respond to a request for comment.

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