New Mexico Intel Worker Sues Over ‘Kick Me’ Prank

An Intel employee in New Mexico says in a federal lawsuit that co-workers secretly taped a “Kick Me” sign on his back as part of a pattern of abuse at a Rio Rancho plant.

Harvey Palacio said he went to a senior staffer in August to ask if something was taped on his back and the staffer kicked Palacio in his buttocks three times and another staffer also kicked him.

Two employees were convicted of petty misdemeanor battery and lost their jobs over the prank.

The civil lawsuit filed in Albuquerque says other co-workers laughed and Palacio “felt demoralized and … began to cry during the drive home.” He says co-workers also hid his uniform and filled his work bag with trash.

Intel Corp. said it is reviewing the lawsuit.