Former Exec Sues TicketNetwork

Jeffrey D. Scheman, who was TicketNetwork’s vice president of business development before being named co-CEO in 2012, filed the lawsuit Friday.

The Journal Inquirer reports (http://bit.ly/1lk70ml) that Scheman says he participated in investigations into certain TicketNetwork business practices and was subpoenaed to testify before the Federal Trade Commission and state attorney general’s office.

TicketNetwork reduced his job responsibilities and reduced his payment by nearly 50 percent in 2013, the lawsuit says. He was laid off Jan. 31.

Don Vaccaro, founder and chairman of the board of TicketNetwork, denounced the lawsuit.

“This is a meritless and frivolous lawsuit and we intend to vigorously fight it,” he said.

TicketNetwork is in settlement negotiations over allegations of misleading Internet addresses and websites used to sell tickets on the TicketNetwork site. TicketNetwork operates an online marketplace ticket holders to events such as concerts and sports games to sell them.

The company also sells a computer program that enables ticket brokers to use their own websites to sell tickets through the TicketNetwork marketplace. Brokers selling tickets through the TicketNetwork market sometimes use Internet addresses and websites that make it appear as if they are the official box office for the event.

Scheman is asking a judge to reinstate him and grant compensatory and punitive damages of more than $15,000.

TicketNetwork was to receive $7.8 million in state grants and low-interest loans in 2011 to finance its move from Vernon to South Windsor and help it expand from 300 employees to more than 500. But TicketNetwork withdrew its application after Vaccaro was charged with threatening a security guard and using a racial epithet at a party in February 2012.

Scheman then became co-CEO.

Vaccaro entered an accelerated rehabilitation program that led to the dismissal of charges. He denies using racial slurs.