Ex-Exec Drops Wal-Mart Suit
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Ex-Wal-Mart executive Jared Bowen has dropped a state lawsuit that claimed the retailer defamed him when it accused him of helping his former boss defraud the company, according to published reports.
Bowen's attorney, Jim Lingle, said his client dropped the lawsuit this month because he "wanted to get on with his life."
Wal-Mart had accused Brown of helping former No. 2 Wal-Mart executive Tom Coughlin defraud the company of $500,000. Coughlin previously pleaded guilty to tax evasion and wire-fraud charges in the case. He was sentenced to five years' probation and placed on home detention for 27 months.
Lingle denied that Bowen dropped the suit because Wal-Mart obtained a letter from a grand jury that informed Bowen he may be charged. Wal-Mart included the letter in an Oct. 30 court filing, asking that the case be dismissed.
Bowen, who had claimed he was fired when he blew the whistle on Coughlin, still has a complaint pending before the U.S. Labor Department.
Bowen's attorney, Jim Lingle, said his client dropped the lawsuit this month because he "wanted to get on with his life."
Wal-Mart had accused Brown of helping former No. 2 Wal-Mart executive Tom Coughlin defraud the company of $500,000. Coughlin previously pleaded guilty to tax evasion and wire-fraud charges in the case. He was sentenced to five years' probation and placed on home detention for 27 months.
Lingle denied that Bowen dropped the suit because Wal-Mart obtained a letter from a grand jury that informed Bowen he may be charged. Wal-Mart included the letter in an Oct. 30 court filing, asking that the case be dismissed.
Bowen, who had claimed he was fired when he blew the whistle on Coughlin, still has a complaint pending before the U.S. Labor Department.