Former Employee Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Solar Installer
George Edward Steins, a former employee of Sunrun Installation Services, is pursuing a civil rights lawsuit against the company, alleging that its inaction led to his wrongful arrest and charges.
A Case of Mistaken Identity?
Steins filed a complaint on September 4th in Connecticut District Court, represented by attorney Robert M. Berke. The lawsuit claims that Steins’ employment with Sunrun ended in 2017, but the company failed to notify the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) of this change.
This oversight, according to the complaint, resulted in Steins being erroneously identified as an active employee and listed as the holder of a Sunrun home improvement contractor license. Consequently, he was arrested and charged with employing an unregistered home improvement salesperson.
Charges Dismissed, but Damage Done
While the charges against Steins were ultimately dismissed in May 2024, the lawsuit alleges that he suffered significant harm due to Sunrun’s failure to update the DCP. The complaint seeks unspecified damages for the alleged violation of Steins’ civil rights.
Sunrun Responds
Sunrun Installation Services has enlisted legal representation from McCarter & English. Attorneys David X. Sullivan, Thomas J. Finn, and Gregory A. Hall have entered appearances on behalf of the company.
Legal Battle Ahead
The case, assigned to U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer, is expected to delve into the extent of Sunrun’s responsibility in updating the DCP and whether their inaction directly caused Steins’ legal troubles. The outcome could have implications for companies’ obligations to maintain accurate information with regulatory bodies and the potential consequences of failing to do so.
This case highlights the complex interplay between employment practices, regulatory compliance, and individual legal rights.
The Bigger Picture
The Steins v. Sunrun case underscores the importance of diligent record-keeping and communication for businesses. Companies must ensure their information with regulatory bodies is current and accurate to avoid potential legal ramifications for both the company and its former employees.
