Opinion ID: 2716913
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Testimony of David Caruso

Text: David Caruso was a deputy warden who sat on all three interview panels which evaluated plaintiff for promotion—in 2001, 2002, and 2007. At the time of trial, he had retired from the DOC. He testified that, when serving on an interview panel, he looked for some knowledge of DOC policies and procedures. When asked at trial if he had “chastised” plaintiff for wearing his military uniform to the 2001 interview, he replied: “Not to my recollection.” Mr. Caruso also testified that he did not remember anything particular about plaintiff’s appearance at the 2001 interview; he added that he did not remember making any comment at all about plaintiff’s appearance at that interview. Mr. Caruso stated at trial that some of the other candidates in 2001 - 12 - and 2002 had a greater depth of knowledge than plaintiff, and he affirmed that plaintiff’s military leave status did not factor into the score that he submitted. Additionally, it was Mr. Caruso’s testimony that plaintiff was better prepared in 2007 and performed better at that interview than he had in his previous interviews. On cross-examination, Mr. Caruso acknowledged that the chairman of the 2001 panel, Tom Partridge, submitted seven names to the Director, and he also acknowledged that they were not the seven highest ranking interview candidates. With respect to plaintiff’s performance at the 2001 interview, Mr. Caruso’s notes, which were a full exhibit at trial, state that plaintiff “lacked knowledge of minimum standards;” and, as to one question, the notes state that plaintiff “missed the most important points.” Mr. Caruso’s notes from the 2002 interview, when referring to plaintiff, read in pertinent part as follows: (1) “Does not appear to have prepared himself for a Correctional Lieutenants [sic] position — But he is however well versed for the military — Although there are similarities he should have put more effort in the position being sought;” and (2) “shallow in what he [thought] a lieutenant should do.” 14