A Federal jury awarded a former Johnson Matthey employee more than $200,000, resolving the discrimination suit a West Goshen man had filed against the company more than two years ago.

The eight-person panel deliberated for about four hours before delivering the verdict in favor of plaintiff David "Jake" Jaramillo. Of the total $203,500 awarded to Jaramillo, $150,000 was designated as compensation for punitive damages.

The plaintiff's attorney, William J. Gallagher, said that both he and his client were pleased with the outcome. Gallagher said he hoped the verdict brought about changes at the Malvern plant where Jaramillo worked from January 31, 2001 to August 17, 2001.

"They have all the written (anti-discrimination) policies that are required," Gallagher said, "but at least in this one plant, they were not implemented regarding the minority employees."

Jaramillo, 34, of Colombian descent, testified during the trial that he endured racial slurs and fellow employees sabotaging his work during the several months he worked in the melting room at Johnson Matthey's Noble Metals division.

His complaint stated the company's management ignored the problem despite the plaintiff repeatedly reporting problems to supervisors. Jaramillo testified he ultimately suffered panic attacks as a result of the actions of his co-workers.

"You should just fly a Confederate Flag outside this building instead of the Stars and Stripes," Jaramillo testified he once told company management.

United Steelworkers of America, Local 1165, of Norristown, also was named as a defendant in the suit. The plaintiff was a member of the steel-workers union. Gallagher said a settlement was reached between his client and the union. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Jaramillo is one of five current and former Johnson Matthey employees named as plaintiffs in the original discrimination suit. Judge R. Barclay Surrick ruled earlier this month that each plaintiff's case would be tried separately.

The plaintiffs contended that the company engaged in a pattern of discrimination against blacks and Hispanics at its Chester County facility. They wanted the company ordered to "take appropriate measures to insure the end of the unlawfully discriminatory practices and behaviors" to their plants, according to the suit.

The remaining four plaintiffs reached a settlement with Johnson Matthey after the conclusion of the trial. Terms of those deals were not disclosed.

Each plaintiff testified during Jaramillo's trial.

The attorney for Johnson Matthey, Thomas J. Bender, could not be reached for comment.

The four-day trial took place in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

This story originally appeared in The Daily Local News.