Man Alleging Age Bias Gets $1 Million : Lawsuit: Salesman, 49, charged that Automatic Data Processing divided his O.C. territory even though he was one of the top workers.

A jury awarded $1 million Thursday to a 49-year-old salesman who contended that he was the victim of age discrimination by his employer.

John Bonsangue alleged during the trial in Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana that Automatic Data Processing Inc. of Roseland, N.J., operated a de facto system of discriminating against sales workers once they reached the age of 40.

Bonsangue worked for ADP, one of the nation’s largest payroll check services, from 1977 to 1989, most recently in the company’s La Palma office. He lived in San Clemente but has since moved to Portland, Ore.

The jury deliberated six days before ruling in favor of Bonsangue and awarding him $1 million in damages. That amount was based on about $700,000 in lost wages and benefits and $300,000 for emotional distress. Jurors turned down Bonsangue’s request for punitive damages.

“We’re pleased. The jury vindicated him and supported what he had been saying ever since he left. He was mistreated, his rights were stomped on, and he was discriminated against,” said lawyer Dan Stormer, who represented Bonsangue in the trial that began Oct. 26.

Even though Bonsangue was one of ADP’s top producers, he alleged, he was forced out by having his Orange County sales turf divided so that many potential clients went to younger sales workers. Bonsangue was also given a higher sales quota than his peers, Stormer said.

ADP’s lawyer could not be reached for comment Thursday. He contended during the trial that Bonsangue was a disgruntled and unproductive employee who was going through personal crises. The company steadfastly denied discriminating against anyone on the basis of age.