sara vanegas and a lawsuit against jeff galante - galante group corporation i.e. jg tax group

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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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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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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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




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


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


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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SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and all


SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASECASE NO.: 10-60841-CIV-ALTONAGA/BROWN


Defendants./

Plaintiff,

v.

TO: DAVID CONNELL, individually3920 NE 31st AvenueLighthouse Point, Fi 33064


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


ANDREW FRISCH, ESQ.

MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.6824 Griffin RoadDavie, 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 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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Plaintiff,

v. CASE NO.: 0:10-cv-60841-CMA


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
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Plaintiff,

v. CASE NO.: 0:10-cv-60841-CMA


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

2


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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

2


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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 4 E n te r e d o n F L S D D o c k e t 0 5/ 20 /2 01 0 P a g e 1 o f 1


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


20/25

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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Plaintiff, - ;

y - - r/ f w.

f~7Cibs .Cjhii'e Oy

V.

SUMMONS IN A CIVIL CASE

CASE NO.: 10-60841-CIV-ALTONAGA/BRO


Defendants.

TO: GALANTE GROUP CORP., d/b/a JG TAX GROUP CO.

Jeffrey Galante, Registered Agent1430 South Federal Highway, Suite 301



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::


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


22/25

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:



Defendant:



For:

Andrew Frisch

MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A,

6824 Griffin Road

Suite 3


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.


Appointed Process Server in good standing in the judicial circuit in which the process was served. Under Penalty of



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


23/25


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



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


24/25


RETURN OF SERVICE

State of FLORIDA County of United States District Court Court

Case Number: 10 60841 CIV

Plaintiff:



Defendant:



Andrew Frisch

MORGAN & MORGAN, P.A.6824 Griffin Road

Suite 3


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.


Appointed Process Server in good standing in the judicial circuit in which the process was served. Under Penalty of



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


25/25

(f. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

FORT LAUDERDALE DIVISION. ... , / O

SARA VANEGAS, on her own behalf and all S 6


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


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



6824 Griffin RoadDavie, FL 33314(954) 318-0268


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

sara vanegas and a lawsuit against jeff galante - galante group corporation i.e. jg tax group

Documents