He discussed the matter with J.P. Morgan’s regional director of banking and wealth, who was Abanga’s supervisor’s superior. The complaint states the director reinforced the view of Abanga’s supervisor by asserting that Harlem would be the right fit for him.
The complaint states that Abanga felt his career would be “severely limited” with J.P. Morgan because of his race, color and ethnicity. He also says he experienced emotional distress, financial stress and career harm. As a result, felt forced to leave J.P. Morgan.
Abanga is now a registered rep with Citigroup Global Markets in the Bronx. He is requesting a trial by jury seeking an award compensating him for monetary and other damages in an amount to be determined at trial.
Neither Abanga’s lawyer, Lauren Goldberg, nor J.P. Morgan are publicly commenting about this case. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court Southern District of New York.