A former employee has filed a lawsuit against his previous employers, alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination. Joshua Horton, through his attorneys at Hawks Quindel, S.C., lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northeastern District of Illinois on January 16, 2025. The defendants named in the case are Big Bolt LLC and Tenex Capital Management, LP.
Joshua Horton claims that his termination from Big Bolt LLC and Tenex Capital Management was racially motivated. Horton, who is African-American, alleges that he was fired for conduct similar to or less severe than that of non-black employees who were not terminated. He argues that this constitutes a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981. Horton states that he was dismissed after an argument with Dan McCarthy, a white supervisor known for aggressive behavior towards employees. Despite McCarthy's history of inappropriate conduct, Horton claims he was labeled as "intimidating" due to racial stereotypes and subsequently fired without prior disciplinary action.
Horton’s employment history with Big Bolt began in May 2020, and he rose to become Director of Finance by 2022. He contends that throughout his tenure, he met or exceeded job expectations and even received bonuses for outstanding performance. However, following an altercation instigated by McCarthy on February 23, 2023, Horton was terminated the next day by Big Bolt's CEO Tom Moore and other senior management members. The justification given for his dismissal was solely based on the argument with McCarthy.
The complaint further highlights systemic issues within Big Bolt and Tenex regarding their treatment of minority employees. It points out that other non-black employees who underperformed were allowed to remain employed or were reassigned rather than terminated. Horton accuses the companies of failing to adhere to their own disciplinary policies by not providing him an opportunity to improve before firing him.
Horton seeks several forms of relief from the court: a declaration that Defendants' actions violated federal law; a permanent injunction preventing further violations; compensation for lost wages and benefits; damages for emotional distress; punitive damages; and coverage of legal fees incurred during this process.
Representing Joshua Horton are attorneys Patrick Cowlin and Maria de las Nieves Bolaños from Hawks Quindel, S.C., while Judge details remain unspecified at this stage. The case is identified as Case No: 1:25-cv-00565.