Pearl River – Ozone Refrigeration, LLC, a Pearl River–based commercial refrigeration company, has filed a $5 million lawsuit against former employee Peter Ochoa, alleging that he stole trade secrets and defamed the company while secretly working for a competitor. The case, filed October 21 in the New York Supreme Court for Rockland County, accuses Ochoa of breaching his duties and causing significant financial harm.
Alleged Misuse of Confidential Information
According to the complaint, Ochoa, who previously served as a salesperson for Ozone Refrigeration, joined AMF Sales & Associates while still employed by Ozone. During that period, he allegedly misappropriated proprietary client lists and other confidential business data. The company contends that Ochoa’s actions gave the competitor an unfair advantage in the commercial refrigeration market.
Ozone Refrigeration’s legal filing, submitted by the Law Office of Michael Pepin, PLLC, claims that Ochoa’s conduct violated his employment agreement and state trade secret laws. The alleged theft of client information reportedly led to contract breaches by several key accounts, including Fine Fare Supermarket and Cornucopia Natural Foods.
Defamation and Business Losses
Beyond the trade secret allegations, Ochoa is also accused of defaming Ozone by spreading false claims about its payment practices and product quality. The company asserts that these statements damaged its reputation and led long-term clients to end their relationships with the business.
The complaint lists multiple causes of action, including contract and quasi-contract claims, conversion, defamation, employment violations, tortious interference, and trade secret misappropriation. Ozone Refrigeration is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages.
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Ten years of experience reporting. From car chases and courtroom verdicts to House fires, Holsford thrives during breaking news and finds it a privilege to help drive the conversation in Rockland County and the Greater New York Area. Born in San Bernardino, Thomas is a New York boy at heart. He received his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, specializing in political science and sociology, from the University of Illinois
