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                            Charles Z. Schalk    (908) 526-0707


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  – August 4, 2010


    JURY AWARDS $3.35 MILLION TO WACHOVIA WHISTLEBLOWER   

                   
    An Essex County jury returned a $3.35 million verdict for a former Wachovia executive Thursday, in an employment whistleblower case brought by Charles Z. Schalk, a partner with Mauro, Savo, Camerino, Grant & Schalk, P.A.
    The award to the plaintiff, who was dismissed from his job as a Wachovia Vice President in 2007, came after an eight-day trial before Judge Dennis Carey in Essex County Superior Court.  According to Schalk, the plaintiff alleged that he was terminated in retaliation for being a whistleblower after thirteen years of very successful and spotless employment with Wachovia.
    The verdict against Wachovia Insurance Services, Inc. includes $442,624 in back wages, $2,863,857 in future lost wages and $50,000 for emotional distress, Schalk said.  In addition, the Court will determine the statutorily mandated attorney fees which must be paid by the employer.
    “I was happy for my client because he is a good man who got a raw deal.  This will help him move on with his life.”  Schalk said.
    Defendants were represented by Rosemary Gousman, Esq. and David Strand, Esq.