Victor Sheppard, who works as a courier in the company-distributor of meat products, said that he could not return to work after one of the butchers gave him a loop for hanging.
It happened at the butcher shop, Ottomanelli & Sons on Bleecker St. in the West Village. According to Sheppard, the store owner, Joe Ottomanelli, gave him a loop when the courier early in the morning delivered the ordered meat, writes the Daily News.
«Here’s your gift. You can wear it around your neck and pull, if you want to end it all,» said 58-year-old Ottomanelli, according to the criminal complaint.
Attorney Sheppard Wiley, Steklo says Victor after the incident simply could not work, do not sleep at night and not know when can return to normal life. He also added that the company, which employs Victor Mosner Family Brands — not broke off the contract with Ottomanelli & Sons.
In the end, Sheppard had to fire, says his boss, Michael Mosner.
«He offered to take a leave of absence for temporary disability, and also free psychological help, but he hasn’t used any of the options. Of course, we were in shock from what happened, and then gave the Victor the other clients that it no longer intersected with Ottomanelli & Sons, but it just didn’t work. We kept him as long as I could, but we had no other choice», explains Mr. Mosner.
In turn, the lawyer of the butcher Ron Kuby sure that complaints of Sheppard about his inability to work is only grandstanding to get money in the lawsuit.
«Why, to get money easier than working», — said the lawyer. Kuby admits that the incident with the noose was inappropriate, but believes that it is only a bad joke, not a crime.
Joe Ottomanelli accused of crime motivated by racial hatred. He will appear before the Manhattan court on September 19.
Photo: google maps
