A judge in Derby has ordered local businessman and Republican committee chairman Gino DiGiovanni, Jr. to pay $744,648 to a former employee who alleged he was assaulted by DiGiovanni at work in 2020.

The Allegation

According to the lawsuit, the former employee, Francis Brookins, was working on a vehicle in the company garage when DiGiovanni allegedly attacked him, causing nerve damage, two torn rotator cuffs, and strained ligaments in his back.

Brookins testified that DiGiovanni was in a rage and smashed him into the truck and then into the garage door. DiGiovanni claimed he was acting in self-defense and that the injuries were not caused by the altercation.

Reaction

DiGiovanni has stated that he plans to consult a lawyer about the case and may appeal the decision. He has also claimed that he did not receive notice of the lawsuit, despite court records showing that notices were delivered to his residence.

The judge’s order found that DiGiovanni had engaged in intentional conduct that was substantially certain to cause injury to Brookins.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.