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7/31/2019 Sara Vanegas and a lawsuit against Jeff Galante - Galante Group Corporation i.e. JG Tax Group
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION
SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and all
similarly situated individuals,
Plaintiff,
v. CASE NO.:
GALANTE GROUP CORP., a FloridaCorporation, JEFFREY GALANTE, individually,and DAVID CONNELL, individually,
Defendants.
_________________________________________
/
COMPLAINT AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
Plaintiff, SARA VANEGAS (Plaintiff), on behalf of herself and other employees and
former employees similarly situated, by and through undersigned counsel, files this Complaint
against Defendants, GALANTE GROUP CORP. (GALANTECORP), JEFFREY GALANTE
(JGALANTE), and DAVID CONNELL (CONNELL) (collectively Defendants) and states
as follows:
JURISDICTION
1. Jurisdiction in this Court is proper as the claims are brought pursuant to the Fair
Labor Standards Act, as amended (29 U.S.C. 201, et seq., hereinafter called the FLSA) to
recover unpaid back wages, an additional equal amount as liquidated damages, obtain declaratory
relief, and reasonable attorneys fees and costs.
2. The jurisdiction of the Court over this controversy is based upon 29 U.S.C.
216(b).
PARTIES
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3. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff was, and continues to be a resident of
Broward County, Florida.
4. At all times material hereto GALANTECORP was, and continues to be a Florida
corporation. Further, at all times material hereto, GALANTECORP was, and continues to be,
engaged in business in Florida, with a principle place of business in Broward County, Florida.
5. At all times relevant to this action, JGALANTE was an individual resident of the
State of Florida, who owned and operated GALANTECORP, and who regularly exercised the
authority to: (a) hire and fire employees of GALANTECORP; (b) determine the work schedules
for the employees of GALANTECORP; and (c) control the finances and operations of
GALANTECORP. By virtue of having regularly exercised that authority on behalf of
GALANTECORP, JGALANTE is an employer as defined by 29 U.S.C. 201 et. seq.
6. At all times relevant to this action, CONNELL was an individual resident of the
State of Florida, who operated GALANTECORP, and who regularly exercised the authority to:
(a) hire and fire employees of GALANTECORP; (b) determine the work schedules for the
employees of GALANTECORP; and (c) control the finances and operations of
GALANTECORP. By virtue of having regularly exercised that authority on behalf of
GALANTECORP, CONNELL is an employer as defined by 29 U.S.C. 201 et. seq.
7.At all times material hereto, Plaintiff was engaged in commerce within the
meaning of 6 and 7 of the FLSA.
8. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff was an employee of Defendants within the
meaning of FLSA.
9. At all times material hereto, Defendants were the employers within the meaning
of FLSA.
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10. Defendants were, and continue to be, employers within the meaning of FLSA.
11. At all times material hereto, Defendants were, and continue to be, enterprises
engaged in commerce within the meaning of FLSA.
12. At all times material hereto, Defendants were, and continue to be, enterprises
engaged in the production of goods for commerce within the meaning of the FLSA.
13. Based upon information and belief, the annual gross revenue of Defendants was in
excess of $500,000.00 per annum during the relevant time periods.
14. At all times material hereto, Defendants had two (2) or more employees handling,
selling, or otherwise working on goods or materials that had been moved in or produced for
commerce.
15. At all times hereto, Plaintiff was engaged in commerce and subject to individual
coverage of the FLSA.
16. At all times hereto, Plaintiff was engaged in the production of goods for
commerce and subject to the individual coverage of the FLSA.
17. The additional persons who may become plaintiffs in this action are/were
non-exempt clerical employees for Defendants, who held similar positions to Plaintiff and who
worked in excess of forty (40) hours during one or more work weeks during the relevant time
periods but who did not receive pay at one and one-half times their regular rate for their hours
worked in excess of forty (40) hours.
18. At all times material hereto, the work performed by the Plaintiff was directly
essential to the business performed by Defendants.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
19. On or about April 2009, Defendants hired Plaintiff to work as a non-exempt
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clerical employee.
20. At various material times hereto, Plaintiff worked for Defendants in excess of forty
(40) hours within a work week.
21. From at least April 2009 and continuing through May 2010, Defendants failed to
compensate Plaintiff at rate of one and one-half times Plaintiffs regular rate for all hours worked
in excess of forty (40) hours in a single work week. Plaintiff should be compensated at the rate
of one and one-half times Plaintiffs regular rate for those hours that Plaintiff worked in excess of
forty (40) hours per week as required by the FLSA.
22. Defendants have violated Title 29 U.S.C. 207 from April 2009 and continuing to
date, in that:
a. Plaintiff worked in excess of forty (40) hours per week for the period of
employment with Defendants;
b. No payments, and provisions for payment, have been made by Defendants
to properly compensate Plaintiff at the statutory rate of one and one-half
times Plaintiffs regular rate for those hours worked in excess of forty (40)
hours per work week as provided by the FLSA; and
c. Defendants have failed to maintain proper time records as mandated by the
FLSA.
23. Plaintiff has retained the law firm of MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A. to represent
Plaintiff in the litigation and has agreed to pay the firm a reasonable fee for its services.
COUNTI
VIOLATION OF 29 U.S.C. 207
OVERTIME COMPENSATION
24. Plaintiff realleges and reavers paragraphs 1through 23 of the Complaint as if fully
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set forth herein.
25. From at least April 2009 and continuing through May 2010, Plaintiff worked in
excess of the forty (40) hours per week for which Plaintiff was not compensated at the statutory
rate of one and one-half times Plaintiffs regular rate of pay.
26. Plaintiff was, and is entitled to be paid at the statutory rate of one and one-half
times Plaintiffs regular rate of pay for those hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours.
27. At all times material hereto, Defendants failed, and continue to fail, to maintain
proper time records as mandated by the FLSA.
28. Defendants actions were willful and/or showed reckless disregard for the
provisions of the FLSA as evidenced by its failure to compensate Plaintiff at the statutory rate of
one and one-half times Plaintiffs regular rate of pay for the hours worked in excess of forty (40)
hours per weeks when it knew, or should have known, such was, and is due.
29. Defendants have failed to properly disclose or apprise Plaintiff of Plaintiffs rights
under the FLSA.
30. Due to the intentional, willful, and unlawful acts of Defendants, Plaintiff suffered
and continues to suffer damages and lost compensation for time worked over forty (40) hours per
week, plus liquidated damages.
31. Plaintiff is entitled to an award of reasonable attorneys fees and costs pursuant to
29 U.S.C. 216(b).
32. At all times material hereto, Defendants failed to comply with Title 29 and United
States Department of Labor Regulations, 29 C.F.R. 516.2 and 516.4, with respect to those
similarly situated to the named Plaintiff by virtue of the management policy, plan or decision that
intentionally provided for the compensation of such employees at a rate of less than time and a
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half for overtime hours worked.
33. Based upon information and belief, the employees and former employees of
Defendants similarly situated to Plaintiff were not paid proper overtime for hours worked in
excess of forty (40) in one or more workweeks, because Defendants have failed to properly pay
Plaintiff, and those similarly situated to him, proper overtime wages at time and a half their
regular rate of pay for such hours.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that judgment be entered in her favor against
Defendants:
a. Declaring, pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 2201 and 2202, that the acts and
practices complained of herein are in violation of the maximum hour
provisions o f the FLSA;
b. Awarding Plaintiff overtime compensation in the amount due to him for
Plaintiffs time worked in excess of forty (40) hours per work week;
c. Awarding Plaintiff liquidated damages in an amount equal to the overtime
award;
d. Awarding Plaintiff reasonable attorneys fees and costs and expenses of the
litigation pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 216(b);
e. Awarding Plaintiff pre-judgment interest;
f. Issue an Order as soon as is practicable, authorizing Plaintiff to send Notice
of the instant lawsuit to all similarly situated Sales Clerks employed by
Defendants within the past 3 years; and
g. Ordering any other further relief the Court deems just and proper.
JURY DEMAND
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Plaintiff demands trial by jury on all issues so triable as a matter of right by jury.
DATED this 19th day of May 2010.
Respectfully submitted,
MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.6824 Griffin RoadDavie, FI. 33314
Tel: 954-318-0268Fax: 954-333-3515
E-mail: [email protected] Counsel for Plaintiffs
FL Bar No.: 21111
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44 (Rev. 2/08) CIVIL COVER SHEET
I. (a) PLAINTIFFS J M & ) y f t w e f c f t s h & r cu o n
b e h a i r c iU X i m i l a r l u
dVAUS(b ) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASHS)
(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number)
Morgan & Morgan Telephone: 954-318-02686824 Griffin RoadDavie, FL 33314
D EFEND AN TS 6 > A L f t t f t E MxUJ? COd?. , O.
a J t a v * tO W teU ., md(duA) l y ' u q w JCounty of Residence of First Listed Defendant
(IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
NOTE: IN LAND COND EMN ATION C ASES , USE THE LOCATION OF THE TRACT
LAND INVOLVED.
Attorneys (IfKnown)
(d) Check County Where Action Arose: 3 m iam i- d a d e o m o n r o e 1 b r o w a r d p alm b e ac h d m a r ti n d s t . l u c i e a I nd ia n r i v e r o k e e c h o b e e' HIGHLANDS
II. BASIS OF JURISD ICTION (Place an MX" in One Box O nly)
1 U .S . G ov er nm en t
Plaintiff
2 U.S. Governmen t
Defendant
^ 3 3 Federal Question
(U.S. Government Not a Party)
O 4 Diversity
(Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III)
III. CITIZENSH IP OF PR INC IPAL P ARTlES(Place an X in One Box for Plaintiff(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
Citizen of This State
PTF
1
DE F
O 1 Incorporated or Principal Place
of Business In This State
PT F
4
DE F
4
Citizen of Another State a 2 2 Incorporated an dPrincipal Placeof Business In Another State
5 5
Citizen or Subject of a a 3 3 3 Foreign Nation 6 6Foreign Country
LV. NATURE OF SUIT C O N T R A C T :x;:BANK-RUPTCY:^^ OTHER STATUTES
110 Insurance
120 M arine
130 Miller Act
140 Negotiable Instrument
150 Recovery of Overpayment
& Enforcement o f Judgment
O 151 Medi care Act
152 Recovery of Defaulted
Student Loans
(Excl. Veterans)
153 Recovery of Overpayment
of Veterans Benefits
O 160 Stockholders Suits
190 Other Contract
195 Contract Product Liability
196 Franchise_______
RE A L PRO PERTY
PERSONAL INJURY
0 310 Airplane
315 Airplane Product
Liability
320 Assault, Libel &
Slander
330 Federal Employers
Liability
340 Marine
D 345 Marine Product
Liability
350 Motor Vehicle
355 Motor Vehicle
Product Liability
360 Other Personal
Injury
PERSONAL INJURY
362 Personal Injury -
Med, Malpractice
0 365 Personal Injury -
Product Liability
368 Asbestos Personal
Injury Product
Liability
PERSONAL PROPERTY
370 Other Fraud
371 Truth in Lending
380 Other Personal
Properly Damage
38 5 Property Damage
Product Liability
610 Agriculture
620 Other Food & Drug
625 Drug Related Seizure
of Property 21 USC 881
630 Liquor Laws
640 R.R. & Truck
650 Airline Regs.
660 Occupational
Safety/Health
690 Other
422 Appeal 28 USC 158
423 Withdrawal
28 USC 157
PROPERTY RIGHTS
820 Copyrights
830 Patent
840 Trademark
*v*BOR
210 Land Condemnation
O 220 ForeclosureO 230 Rent Lease &, Ejectmen t3 240 Torts to Land
245 Tort Product Liability
O 290 All Other Real Properly
441 Vot ing
D 442 EmploymentD 443 Housing/
Accommodations
444 Welfare_ 445 Amer, w/Disabilitics
Employment
446 Amer. w/DisabiliticsU Other
440 Other Civil Rights
PRISO NER PETITIONSO 510 Motions to Vacate
Sentence
Habeas Corpus:D 530 GeneralO 535 Death Penalty
O 540 Mandamu s & Other
550 Civil Rights
555 Prison Condition
710 Fair Labor Standards
Act
720 Labor/M gmt. Relations
n 730 Labor/M gmt, Reporting
& Disclosure Act
740 Railway Labor Act 790 Other Labor Litigation
791 Etnpl. Ret. Inc. SccuritjAct
3 861 H1A (1395ff)
862 Black Lung (923)
O 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
864 SSID Title XVI
865 RSI (405(g))
3
FEDERAL TAX SUITS870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff
or Defendant)87! IRSThird Party
26 USC 7609
H 400 State Reapportio nment
410 Antitrust
430 Banks and Banking
450 Commerce
460 Deportation
470 Racketeer Influenced and
Corrupt Organizations
480 Consumer Credit
490 Cable/Sat TV
810 Selective Servicc
850 Securities/Commodities/Exchange
875 Customer Challenge
12 USC 3410
890 Other Statutory Actions
891 Agricultural Acts
892 Economic Stabilization Ac893 Environmental Matters
894 Energy Allocation Act
895 Freedom oflnformalion A
JiMMir.R.ATiniV,.462 NaturalizationApplication
463 Habeas Corpus-AlienDetainee
465 O ther ImmigrationActions
D 900 Appeal oTFee DeterminatiUnder Equal Access to Justice
p. 950 Constitutionality of StateStatutes
V. ORIGIN (Place an X" in One Box Only)tQ 1 Original fj 2 Removed from 3 Re-filed-
Proceeding State Court (see VI below) 4 Reinstated or 5 Jnothe?'dfefcfo" 6 Multidistrict 0 7
Reopened (specify) Litigation
Appeal to DistricJudge fromMagistrateJudgment
VI. RELATED/RE-FILEDCASE(S).
a) Re-filed Case YES ONO
(See instructionssecond page): JUDGE
b) Related Cases 0 YES d NO
DOCKET NUMBER
VII. CAUSE OF ACTION
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing and Write a Brief Statement of Cause (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unlessdiversity):
29 U.S.C. 216(b) Action for unpaid wages
LENGTH OF TRIAL via days estimated (for both sides to try entire case)
VIII. REQUESTED IN
COMPLAINT:
O CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS A O ID N DEMANDS . CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
UNDER F.R.C.P. 23 \J| fvKl k [ATTH1STlME JURY DEMAND; 0Yes O NoABOVE INFORMATION IS TRUE & CORRECT TO
THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGESIGNATURE (
~ / QFOR OFFICE USE ONLY
AMOUNT RECEIPT# IFP
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NOTICE Off CONSENT TO JOIN
Pursuant to 29 U.S.C 216(b), 1,i
party plaintiff in this action.
5 1a"ifcDAIE
nsent to become a
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION
SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and allsimilarly situated individuals,
Plaintiff,SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASE
CASE NO.: 10-60841 -CIV-ALTONAGA/BROW
GALANTE GROUP CORP. a Florida Profit
Corporation, JEFFREY GALANTE, individually,and DAVID CONNEL, individually,
Defendants.
TO: GALANTE GROUP CORP., d/b/a JG TAX GROUP CO.Jeffrey Galante, Registered Agent1430 South Federal Highway, Suite 301
Deerfield Beach, FI 33441
A lawsuit has been filed against you.
Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you receivedit) or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer oremployee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you must
serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 ofthe Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on theplaintiff or plaintiffs attorney, whose name and address are::
If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be entered against you for the reliefdemanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
ANDREW FRISCH, ESQ.MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.
6824 Griffin RoadDavie, FL 33314(954) 318-0268
(954) 333-3515 (facsimile)[email protected]
DATE
MAY 19, 2010
Deputy Clerk
LT.S. District CourtsSteven M. Lari more
Clerk of Court
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Case 0:10-cv-60841-CMA Document 3 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/19/2010 Page 2 of 3
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION
SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and allsimilarly situated individuals,
Plaintiff,
SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASEv. CASE NO.: 10-60841-CIV-ALTONAGA/BROWN
GALANTE GROUP CORP. a Florida ProfitCorporation, JEFFREY GALANTE, individually,and DAVID CONNEL, individually,
Defendants./
TO: JEFFREY GALANTE1430 South Federal Highway, Suite 301Deerfield Beach, FI 33441
A lawsuit has been filed against you.
Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) or60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of theUnited States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you must serve on the plaintiff ananswer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of CivilProcedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiffs attorney, whose
name and address are::
ANDREW FRISCH, ESQ.
MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.6824 Griffin Road
Davie, FL 33314(954) 318-0268
(954) 333-3515 (facsimile)[email protected]
If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded inthe complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
MAY 19, 2010
DATE
Steven VI. Lari more
Clerk of Court
SUMMONS
s Jose Conway
Deputy Clerk
U.S. District Courts
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION
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SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and all
similarly situated individuals,
SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASECASE NO.: 10-60841-CIV-ALTONAGA/BROWN
GALANTE GROUP CORP. a Florida ProfitCorporation, JEFFREY GALANTE, individually,and DAVID CONNEL, individually,
Defendants./
Plaintiff,
v.
TO: DAVID CONNELL, individually3920 NE 31st AvenueLighthouse Point, Fi 33064
A lawsuit has been filed against you.
Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) or
60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of theUnited States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you must serve on the plaintiff ananswer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of CivilProcedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiffs attorney, whose
name and address are::
ANDREW FRISCH, ESQ.
MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.6824 Griffin RoadDavie, FL 33314
(954)318-0268(954) 333-3515 (facsimile)
If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in
the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court.MAY 19, 2010
DATE SUMMONS
s/Jose Conway
Deputy Clerk
U.S. District CourtsSteven M. Larimore
Clerk of Court
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION
SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and allsimilarly situated individuals,
Plaintiff,
v. CASE NO.: 0:10-cv-60841-CMA
GALANTE GROUP CORP., a FloridaCorporation, JEFFREY GALANTE, individually,and DAVID CONNELL, individually,
Defendants.
STIPULATION FOR ENTRY OF ORDEROF DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE
Pursuant to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the parties jointly file this
Stipulation for Entry of Order of Dismissal with Prejudice of Plaintiffs claims in the above
referenced matter. Attached hereto as Exhibit A is the fully executed copies of the Settlement
Agreement. Plaintiffs claims were resolved in full without compromise and thus, judicial review
and approval of the settlement agreements is not required underLynn Foods. A proposed form
of Order of Dismissal with Prejudice also is submitted herewith.
Respectfully submitted this 9thday of July, 2010.
MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A. SAM C. CALIENDO, P.A.6824 Griffin Road Po Box 50041Davie, Florida 33314 Lighthouse Point, FL 33074
Telephone: 954-318-0268 Tel: (954) 418-8711Facsimile: 954-333-3515 E-Mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Counsel for DefendantCounsel for Plaintiff
/s/ANDREW FRISCH /s/ SAM C. CALIENDOSam C. Caliendo, EsquireAndrew Frisch, Esq.
FI. Bar Number 27777 FLBar No.: 110518
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION
SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and allsimilarly situated individuals,
Plaintiff,
v. CASE NO.: 0:10-cv-60841-CMA
GALANTE GROUP CORP., a FloridaCorporation, JEFFREY GALANTE, individually,and DAVID CONNELL, individually,
Defendants.__________________________________________ /
PROPOSED FINAL ORDER OF DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE
THIS CAUSE having come before this Court upon the foregoing Stipulation for Entry of
Order of Dismissal with Prejudice, and this Court being fully advised in the premises, it is
hereupon:
ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that the above cause is hereby dismissed with prejudice.
DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers, at Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida
this_____day of________ 2010.
U.S. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE
2
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Exhibit A
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SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ANDAND RELEASE OF WAGE AND HOUR CLAIMS
1. This Agreement covers all understandings between SARA VANEGAS (hereinafter
referred to as Plaintiff a term which includes Plaintiffs successors, beneficiaries, personalrepresentatives, and heirs) and GALANTE GROUP CORP., JEFFREY GALANTE and DAVID
CONNELL (hereinafter referred to as "Defendants" term which includes each and every officer,
director, employee, agent, parent corporation or subsidiary, affiliate or division, its successors,
assigns, beneficiaries, servants, legal representatives, insurers and heirs).
2. For and in consideration of the promises outlined in Paragraph 3 of this Agreement,
Plaintiff agrees as follows:
A. To settle any and all claims and actions of any nature whatsoever between Plaintiffand Defendants, as related to the transactions or matters which are the subject matter
of the lawsuit CASE NO.: 10-60841-CIV-ALTONAGA/Bi:own pending in the
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
B. To agree and acknowledge that this settlement is the compromise of a disputed claimand does not constitute an admission by Defendants of any violation of any federal,
state, or local statute or regulation, or any violation of any of Plaintiffs rights or ofany duty owed by Defendants to Plaintiff.
C. That the below-referenced amount paid by Defendants represents a sum to whichPlaintiff would not be entitled absent this Agreement.
3. For and in consideration of the promises made by Plaintiff in Paragraph 2 of thisAgreement, Defendants agree to pay Plaintiff and Plaintiffs counsel, Morgan & Morgan, P. A., the
total consideration of $4,958.00 within 10 days of the endorsement of this agreement by Plaintiff.The above amounts shall be made payable in three checks as follows: (1) $729.00 to SARA
VANEGAS, as unpaid wages; (2) $729.00 to SARA VANEGAS, as liquidated damages; and (3)$3,500.00 to MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A., for reasonable attorneys* fees and costs to date.Plaintiff specifically is aware of, and agrees with, the amount of attorneys fees and costs to be
paid to his counsel fo r representing his interests in this matter
4. Defendants agree not to disclose the existence or contents of this Agreement to any
prospecti ve employer of Plaintiff.
5. In the event that Plaintiff or Defendants commence an action for damages, injunctive
relief, and/or to enforce the provisions of the Agreement, the prevailing party in any such action shall
be entitled to an award of its reasonable attorney's fees and all costs including appellate fees andcosts, incurred in connection therewith as determined by the court in any such action.
1
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.6. Plaintiff and Defendants agree that this Settlement Agreement is entered into
knowingly and voluntarily, after having the opportunity to fully discuss it with an attorney. Having
had the opportunity to obtain the advice of legal counsel to review, comment upon, and redraft the
agreement, the parties agree that the Agreement shall be construed as if the parties jointly prepared it
so that any uncertainty or ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any one paity and in favor of theother.
7. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between Plaintiff
and Defendants. No cancellation, modification, amendment, deletion, addition, or other changes in
this Agreement or any provision hereof or any right herein provided shall be effective for any
purpose unless specifically set forth in a subsequent written agreement signed by both Plaintiff and
an authorized representative of Defendants.
8. Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to be a waiver of Plaintiff s rights
pertaining to her case, currently filed in State Court, or any claims related to her allegations ofassault, battery, or sexual harassment/discrimination against the Defendants herein.
9. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or determined by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisions
shall not be affected thereby and said illegal or invalid part, term or provision shall be deemed not to
be a part of this Agreement and all other valid provisions shall survive and continue to bind the
parties.
10. The law governing this Agreement shall be that of the United States and the State
of Florida. The United States District Court for the Southern Distric t of Florida shall retain
jurisdiction to enforce the terms of this Settlement Agreement.
DATE:_________ Signature:SARA VANEGAS
D A T E : ^ i l 2 l ^ Signature: < T ' V J?By:
GALANTE GROUP CORP.
(.Inli" JOD ATE: Signature:Q ______ Z l
DATE: 4 - / ? '/ & Signature:
JEFFREY GALANTE
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6. Plaintiff and Defendants agree that this Settlement Agreement is entered intoknowingly and voluntarily, after having the opportunity to fully discuss it with an attorney. Havinghad the opportunity to obtain the advice of legal counsel to review, comment upon, and redraft theagreement, the parties agree that the Agreement shall be construed as if the parties jointly prepared it
so that any uncertainty or ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any one party and in favor of theother.
7. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between Plaintiffand Defendants. No cancellation, modification, amendment, deletion, addition, or other changes in
thus Agreement or any provision hereof or any right herein provided shall be effective for anypurpose unless specifically set forth in a subsequent written agreement signed by both Plaintiff andan authorized representative of Defendants.
8. Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to be a waiver of Plaintiffs rightspertaining to her case, currently filed in State Court, or any claims related to her allegations ofassault, battery, or sexual harassment/discrimination against the Defendants herein.
9. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or determined by any court ofcompetent jurisdiction to be illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisionsshall not be affected thereby and said illegal or invalid part, term or provision shall be deemed not tobe a part of this Agreement and all other valid provisions shall survive and continue to bind theparties.
10. The law governing this Agreement shall be that of the U nited States and the Stateof Florida. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida shall retain
jurisdiction to enforce the terms of this Settlemei
DATE:
Signature:
Signature:By:GALANTE GROUP CORP.
DATE: Signature:JEFFREY GALANTE
DATE: Signature:DAVID CONNELL
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
MIAMI DIVISION
CASE NO. 10-60841-CIV-ALTONAGA/Brown
SARA VANEGAS,
Plaintiff,
vs.
GALANTE GROUP CORP., et al.,
Defendants.
THIS CAUSE came before the Court upon a sua sponte examination of the record. The
Court notes that this is a Fair Labor Standards Act case in which the Plaintiff seeks unpaid wages.
In order to assist the Court in the management of the case, the Plaintiff shall file a statement of claim
setting forth the amount of alleged unpaid wages, the calculation of such wages, and the nature of
the wages (e.g., overtime or regular) within twenty days from the date below. Plaintiff shall
promptly serve a copy of this notice and the statement on Defendants counsel when counsel for the
Defendants first appears in the case or at the time of filing if Defendants counsel has already
appeared in the case. Defendants shall file a response within fifteen days of receiving service of
Plaintiffs statement.
DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at Miami, Florida, this 20th day of May, 2010.
NOTICE OF COURT PRACTICE IN FLSA CASES
CECILIA M. ALTONAGA
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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Case 0:10-cv-60841-CMA Document 5 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/08/2010 Page 1 of 2RETURN OF SERVICE
State of FLORIDA County of United States Distr ict Court Court
Case Number: 10 60841 CIV x
Plaintiff:
SARA VANEGAS, ON HER OWN BEHALF AND ALL SIMILARLY
SITUATED INDIVIDUALS,
Defendant:
GALANTE GROUP CORP., A FLORIDA CORPORATION, JEFFREY
GALANTE, INDIVIDUALLY, AND DAVID CONNELL, INDIVIDUALLY,
Andrew Frisch
MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.
6824 Griffin Road
Suite 3
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314
Received by Gissen & Zawyer Process Service, Inc. on the 21st day of May, 2010 at 2:31 pm to be served on
GALANTE GROUP CORP, D/B/A JG TAX GROUP CO JEFFREY GALANTE, 1430 S FEDERAL HWY, STE 301,
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL 33441.
I, DONNA JONES, do hereby affirm that on the 24th day of May, 2010 at 3:01 pm, I:
Served the within named CORPORATION by delivering a true copy of the SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASE,
COMPLAINT, NOTICE OF CONSENT TO JOIN with the date and hour of service endorsed thereon by me to
JEFFREY GALANTE as Registered Agent of the within named corporation, in compliance with state statutes,
I certify that I am over the age of 18, have no interest in the above action, and am a Certified Process Server or an
Appointed Process Server in good standing in the judicial circuit in which the process was served, Under Penalty of
Perjury I declare that I have read the foregoing Return of Service and that the facts stated in it are true and correct.
Notary not required pursuant to F.S. 92.525.
Gissen & Zawyer Process Service, Inc.
1550 Biscayne Blvd
Suite 200
Miami, FL 33132
(305)371-4664
Our Job Serial Number: 2010064697
Copyright 19922010 Database Services, Inc. - Process Servers Toolbox V6 4a
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION
SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and allsimilarly situated individuals,
Plaintiff, - ;
y - - r/ f w.
f~7Cibs .Cjhii'e Oy
V.
SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASE
CASE NO.: 10-60841-CIV-ALTONAGA/BRO
GALANTE GROUP CORP. a Florida ProfitCorporation, JEFFREY GALANTE, individually,and DAVID CONNEL, individually,
Defendants.
TO: GALANTE GROUP CORP., d/b/a JG TAX GROUP CO.
Jeffrey Galante, Registered Agent1430 South Federal Highway, Suite 301
Deerfield Beach, FI 33441
A lawsuit has been filed against you.
Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you receivedit) or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or
employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you must
serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 ofthe Federal Rules o f Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the
plaintiff or plaintiffs attorney, whose name and address are::
ANDREW FRISCH, ESQ.MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.
6824 Griffin RoadDavie, FL 33314
(954) 318-0268(954) 333-3515 (facsimile)aMseh@fo r then eonie. com
If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief
demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
MAY 19, 2010
DATE
Steven VI. LarimoreClerk of Court
SIMMONS
s/Jose Conway
Deputy Clerk
U.S. District Courts
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Case 0:10-cv-60841-CMA Document 6 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/08/2010 Page 1 of 2RETURN OF SERVICE
State of FLORIDA County of United States District Court Court
Case Number: 10 60841 CIV
Plaintiff:
SARA VANEGAS, ON HER OWN BEHALF AND ALL SIMILARLY
SITUATED INDIVIDUALS,
Defendant:
GALANTE GROUP CORP., A FLORIDA CORPORATION, JEFFREY
GALANTE, INDIVIDUALLY, AND DAVID CONNELL, INDIVIDUALLY,
For:
Andrew Frisch
MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A,
6824 Griffin Road
Suite 3
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314
Received by Gissen & Zawyer Process Service, Inc. on the 21st day of May, 2010 at 2:31 pm to be served on
JEFFREY GALANTE, 1430 S FEDERAL HWY, STE 301, DEERFIELD BEACH, FL 33441.
I, DONNA JONES, do hereby affirm that on the 24th day of May, 2010 at 3:01 pm, i:
Individually Served the within named person with a true copy of the SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASE,
COMPLAINT, NOTICE OF CONSE NT TO JOIN with the date and hour endorsed thereon by me, pursuant to
state statutes.
I certify that I am over the age of 18, have no interest in the above action, and am a Certified Process Server or an
Appointed Process Server in good standing in the judicial circuit in which the process was served. Under Penalty of
Perjury I declare that I have read the foregoing Return of Service and that the facts stated in it are true and correct.
Notary not required pursuant to F.S. 92.525.
Gissen & Zawyer Process Service, Inc.
1550 Biscayne Blvd
Suite 200
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 371-4664
Our Job Serial Number: 2010064695
Copyright 1992-2010 Database Services, Inc. - Process Server's Toolbox V6.4a
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Case 0:10-cv-60841-CMA Document 6 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/08/2010 Page 2 of 2
UNITED STATES^&ISTRiCT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA /FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION ^
SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and a ll; o ( ^similarly situated individuals, ^
v.
Plamtlff; SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASECASE NO.: 10-60841 -CIV-ALTONAGA/BROWN
(j..io / fm gJlg ^ .GALANTE GROUP CORP. a Florida Profit
Corporation, JEFFREY GALANTE, individually, ^ i
and DAVID CONNEL, individually, 7
Defendants.
TO; JEFFREY GALA NTE _1430 South Federal Highway, Suite 301
Deerfield Beach, FI 33441
A lawsuit has been filed against you.
60 days if you ar __ mugt serve on ^ plaintiff anUnited States described m Fed. R. Civ. r. 12 W . ) i * Federal Rules of Civil
on the plaintiff or pla intiffs attorney, whose
name and address are::ANDREW FRISCH, ESQ.
MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.
6824 Griffin RoadDavie, FL 33314
(954) 3X8-0268(954) 333-3515 (facsimile)aft-Sc rii @fn r theneonl e. com
If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in
the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
SIMMONSMAY 19, 2010
DATE
s / Jos Conwa>'Deputy Clerk
Steven M. Lanmore u s _District Comts
Clerk of Court
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Case 0:10-cv-60841-CMA Document 7 Entered on FLSD Docket 06/08/2010 Page 1 of 2
RETURN OF SERVICE
State of FLORIDA County of United States District Court Court
Case Number: 10 60841 CIV
Plaintiff:
SARA VANEGAS, ON HER OWN BEHALF AND ALL SIMILARLY
SITUATED INDIVIDUALS,
Defendant:
GALANTE GROUP CORP., A FLORIDA CORPORATION, JEFFREY
GALANTE, INDIVIDUALLY, AND DAVID CONNELL, INDIVIDUALLY,
Andrew Frisch
MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.6824 Griffin Road
Suite 3
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314
Received by Gissen & Zawyer Process Service, inc. on the 21st day of May, 2010 at 2:31 pm to be served onDAVID CONNELL, 3920 NE 31 AVE., LIGHTHOUSE POINT, FL 33064.
I, DONNA JONES, do hereby affirm that on the 26th day of May, 2010 at 11:24 am, I:
Individually Served the within named person with a true copy of the SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASE,
COMPLAINT, NOTICE OF CONSENT TO JOIN with the date and hour endorsed thereon by me, pursuant to
state statutes.
Additional information pertaining to this Service:
DESCRIPTION: AGE: 40'S, EYES: LIGHT BLUE &/OR GREEN, HAIR: DARK BROWN/BLK, RACE/COLOR:
TANNED, HEIGHT: 510", WEIGHT: 280 LBS, OTHER: RASH ON SIDE OF NOSE
THE SUBJECT DOES NOT LIVE AT THE PROVIDED ADDRESS. CURRENT OCCUPANTS HAVE BEEN THERE
ONE YEAR AND DOES NOT KNOW THE SUBJECT. LOCATED SECOND ADDRESS: 1430 S FED HWY, STE
301, DEERFIELD BEACH, FL 33441, WHICH IS WHERE THE DOCUMENT WAS SERVED.
I certify that I am over the age of 18, have no interest in the above action, and am a Certified Process Server or an
Appointed Process Server in good standing in the judicial circuit in which the process was served. Under Penalty of
Perjury I declare that I have read the foregoing Return of Service and that the facts stated in it are true and correct.
Notary not required pursuant to F.S. 92.525.
Gissen & Zawyer Process Service, inc.
1550 Biscayne Blvd
Suite 200
Miami, FL 33132
{305)371-4664
Our Job Serial Number: ZPS-2010064693
Copyright 1992-2010 Database Services, inc. - Process Server's TooNoox VS.4{J
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(f. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION. ... , / O
SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and all S 6
similarly situated individuals,
C a s e 0 : 1 0 - c v - 6 0 8 4 1 - C M A D o c u m e n t 7 E n te r e d o n F L S D D o c k e t 0 6/ 08 /2 01 0 P a g e 2 o f 2Case 0:10-cv-60841 -CMA Document 3 Entered on FLSD Docket O S mmw Pag^3 5 0
/1 - Pc/ A
Plaintiff,
v.
SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASECASE NO.: 10-60841 -CIV-ALTONAGA/BROWN
GALANTE GROUP CORP. a Florida ProfitCorporation, JEFFREY GALANTE, individually,
and DAVID CONNEL, individually,
f/6
Defendants./
& K fOl U&W
_________________________________________ ^ h 't /cr 'S S^Y f i t m tty
t yfagu h&-u ix
TO: DAVID CONNELL, individually a # ^ 43 9 2 Q - N C - 3 1 81 A v c n t ie -------- - 'f ^ (H / i ^ X v x , 'frn& jdhLighthouse Point; FI 33064 3a\ ^ -
' p eec &c ' J
A lawsuit has been filed against you.
Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received i t ) - or60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employe of the
Urited States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) - y ou Inust:serve o j ^ answer to the attached complaint or amotion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of CivilS l f c answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plainttfPs attorney, whose
name and address are::
ANDREW FRISCH, ESQ.MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.
6824 Griffin RoadDavie, FL 33314(954) 318-0268
(954) 333-3515 (facsimile)[email protected]
If vou fail to do so, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in
the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
MAY 19, 2010
DATE SUMMON S
s/Jose Conway
Deputy Clerk
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]