Court Awards $12 Million Judgment in Unpaid Overtime Class Action

CHICAGO - April 15, 2014 - PRLog -- On April 9, 2014 the United States District Court of Central Illinois entered a $12.2M  judgment against Jeffrey Parsons, owner of THR & Associates and Treasure Hunters Roadshow.  The court issued judgment in favor of a class of approximately 150 plaintiffs, represented by Stephan Zouras, LLP.  The large sum represents unpaid overtime wages and liquidated damages due to those employees who opted-in to the case.

The original complaint was filed by Stephan Zouras, LLP in 2012 alleging that the Springfield, IL based company knowingly and repeatedly violated overtime and federal labor laws.  The plaintiffs alleged that they worked more than 40 hours a week without overtime pay and were misclassified as management.   They were given titles such as “Buyers,” “Auditors,” and “Managers,” and received a weekly “salary,” but in actuality they were paid as non-exempt employees with pay deductions made for days not worked.

The court granted class action status, however later that year Parsons filed for bankruptcy and was dismissed from the case.In November 2013, the bankruptcy court denied Parsons’ protection under the bankruptcy laws after trustees in the case accused Parson of concealing millions in cash and assets.  He was then reinstated as a defendant in the unpaid wages lawsuit.After failing to appear in court on multiple occasions, the Court determined last week that Parsons owes $12.2M in back wages and other damages to former THR employees.

At one time Parsons operated “road shows” across the United States where THR employees would buy precious metals, coins, jewelry, antiques and collectibles.  He is now reportedly in Texas.

Attorney Jim Zouras of Stephan Zouras, LLP states, “We believe the Court made the right decision for our clients.  Parsons and THR Associates saved millions in payroll costs by failing to follow the law.  We intend to force Parsons to comply with the ruling and properly pay his former employees the earned wages the Court has found are due and owing.  If Parsons believes he can escape justice by hiding assets, he will soon learn he is mistaken.   We will continue to fight for our clients as long as we have to.”