SALT LAKE CITY — Federal prosecutors say a Park City-based company broke the law when it fired an employee who took leave for military service.
The Department of Justice announced the lawsuit against the Veteran’s Trading Company on Wednesday.
Prosecutors say the company fired Naval Reserve Captain Paul Costello from his position as president in July 2013 and denied an application for reemployment later that year. Costello has served as an F-18 fighter pilot and been a part of the Naval Reserve since 1997.
The lawsuit seeks damages equal to the amount of lost wages and other benefits.
U.S. Attorney for Utah Carlie Christensen says federal law gives soldiers the right to retain their civilian employment while they are deployed.
Representatives for the company did not have immediate comment on the lawsuit.
