Ex-Car Salesman Wins $1.25 Million in Bias Suit

A black former sales manager for Pete Ellis Dodge in South Gate Monday was awarded $1.25 million in a racial discrimination case.

A jury awarded the money to Jeffrey T. Prather, 35, after a two-week trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Norwalk. Prather said he was fired in November, 1985, because he is black.

Jack H. Anthony, Prather’s attorney, said Prather was fired two days after George Grossman became general sales manager.

Attorney Richard T. Hilmen Jr., who represented the dealer, said Grossman, who is no longer with the firm, fired five whites as well because of low sales.

The jury gave Prather $345,500 for emotional distress, $154,500 for lost earnings and benefits and $750,000 in punitive damages. He had sought $25 million.