Grocery store lawsuit settled out of court

Freedom New Mexico

A lawsuit against a grocery store operated by former State Rep. Brian Moore, R-Clayton, was settled out of court, Moore said.

The suit was filed by the state’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of an applicant for employment at Ranch Market in Clayton.

The $30,000 settlement, paid to the applicant, contains a denial of any fault or wrongdoing.

The suit claimed the applicant was denied a job interview because he had a learning disability.

“The insurance company more than anything settled,” said Moore, who said the settlement would likely be less than legal expenses.

Also, the store will provide training to employment and management staff on diversity and non-discrimination in hiring. Moore said the store will open the training to other Clayton businesses.

Moore, who ran an unsuccessful bid for the Republican lieutenant governor nomination, said he didn’t think the timing of the suit had political ties.

A call placed to the EEOC on Friday was not returned.