A Louisiana resident is seeking more than $75 million in damages from a major telecommunications provider, claiming the company enabled actions that violated his civil rights and subjected him to public humiliation and intimidation. The complaint was filed by Ken Lavergne in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on April 1, 2026, naming AT&T Inc., AT&T Mobility LLC, and AT&T Services, Inc. as defendants.
According to court documents, Lavergne alleges that after visiting an AT&T retail location at 419 W. Prien Lake Rd in Lake Charles on February 27, 2026, he was approached by police officers while sitting in his car making phone calls. He asserts that this encounter was initiated by a false or misleading report made by the store’s manager on duty. Lavergne states he had completed his business inside the store without any incident or dispute before returning to his vehicle.
The complaint outlines that two Lake Charles police officers questioned Lavergne about his presence despite there being “no disturbance, complaint, or illegal activity having occurred” and “no probable cause or reasonable suspicion justifying such confrontation.” Lavergne says he explained he was making phone calls, after which the officers apologized for the inconvenience and allowed him to remain without further instruction. He contends this demonstrates there was no legitimate basis for police involvement.
Lavergne claims that upon information and belief, it was the AT&T Manager on Duty who “initiated or caused the police presence by making a false, misleading, or fabricated report concerning Plaintiff,” referencing a prior written complaint he submitted to AT&T’s Office of the President. He describes this as “false reporting or misrepresentation to law enforcement” and an “unwarranted escalation of a non-issue into a law enforcement encounter.” As a result of this incident, Lavergne alleges he suffered public humiliation, disruption of personal safety and peace, unjustified scrutiny in public, emotional distress, reputational harm, and psychological trauma.
The lawsuit details several causes of action under both federal and state law. These include violations of civil rights statutes (42 U.S.C. § 1983), conspiracy to deprive equal protection (42 U.S.C. § 1985), failure to prevent civil rights violations (42 U.S.C. § 1986), unfair practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. § 45), discriminatory practices under federal communications law (47 U.S.C. §§ 201–202), intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and gross negligence in supervision and training of employees, as well as violations of Louisiana civil rights protections.
Lavergne argues that these actions were not isolated but reflect “a failure of corporate governance, training, and accountability,” allowing employees to “weaponize law enforcement against customers.” He asserts that as a loyal customer for over twenty-five years with no history of disputes with AT&T, he was treated in a manner that was “discriminatory and prejudicial” as well as inconsistent with reasonable customer service protocols.
In addition to compensatory damages exceeding $75 million dollars—which include emotional distress and reputational damage—Lavergne seeks punitive damages meant to deter similar conduct in the future. He also requests injunctive relief requiring AT&T to cease harmful conduct toward customers; implement safeguards against harassment; submit to compliance monitoring; and declaratory relief stating that his civil rights were violated.
The filing notes potential regulatory implications involving oversight by agencies such as the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division; Federal Communications Commission; Federal Trade Commission; Department of Homeland Security regarding critical infrastructure misuse; and Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning harassment or cyber-related conduct.
Lavergne is representing himself as pro se plaintiff in this matter. Service upon defendants is directed through David R. McAtee II—Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel for all named AT&T entities—at their Dallas headquarters address: 208 S Akard St., Dallas Texas 75202. The case identification number is Case 2:26-cv-01043.
Source: 226cv01043_Ken_Lavergne_v_At&t_Complaint_Western_District_of_Louisiana .pdf
