A former employee has taken legal action against a prominent car dealership, alleging severe workplace discrimination and retaliation. On November 19, 2025, Joseph Montalbano filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against TC Jeep Inc., operating as Town & Country Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram. The lawsuit accuses the dealership of violating multiple federal and state laws by fostering a hostile work environment based on ethnicity, religion, and disability.
Montalbano's complaint outlines a troubling series of events that began during his tenure as Manager of Used Car Sales at the dealership. Despite earning an impressive salary of approximately $223,750 annually, Montalbano claims he was subjected to persistent ridicule and harassment by supervisors Marc Brodlieb, Jake Starnes, and Fred Hoyt. The plaintiff alleges that derogatory comments were frequently made about his Italian American heritage, including remarks likening him to a member of the Italian mafia when he wore certain clothing. Additionally, Montalbano asserts that discriminatory comments were made regarding his Jewish faith and that he was pressured to discriminate against Black employees under his supervision.
The complaint further details instances where Montalbano's medical conditions were mocked by management. Diagnosed with panic disorder and spinal issues causing significant pain and limitations, Montalbano claims he was ridiculed for his weight and mental health challenges. He recounts being called "crazy" and "unstable" by his superiors in front of colleagues.
In July 2024, tensions escalated when Montalbano reported being physically assaulted by a coworker named Thomas Conran. The altercation allegedly involved Conran using racial slurs before attacking Montalbano with a car door. Despite calling the police for assistance, Montalbano states he was discouraged from pressing charges by Hoyt under threat of termination.
Following these incidents, Montalbano alleges he faced retaliatory actions from the dealership after raising concerns about employee underpayment practices. He claims his attempts to report discrepancies in commission payments were dismissed by management with indifference.
Montalbano seeks redress through various forms of relief from the court. He is asking for compensation for lost wages and benefits due to what he describes as unlawful termination based on discriminatory practices. Additionally, he seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by the hostile work environment along with punitive damages aimed at penalizing the defendant's alleged misconduct.
Representing Joseph Montalbano are attorneys Brittany A. Stevens and Morgan Mickelsen from Phillips & Associates PLLC. The case is identified under Case No.: 2:25-cv-06423 in front of an unnamed judge at this time.
Source: 225cv06423_Montalbano_v_TC_Jeep_Inc_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf