Former CEO sues insurance firm for millions in pay, defamation

SARASOTA — Former FCCI Insurance Group CEO Craig Johnson, terminated from the insurance giant in May for his role in a battery on two police officers during an incident at a Sarasota restaurant, is suing the company and seeking more than $5 million in damages. 

In the lawsuit, filed in Sarasota County court Dec. 11, Johnson alleges Sarasota-based FCCI failed to pay him severance pay and benefits; vested performance units; and unpaid paid time off. He is also suing the company for defamation of character, alleging FCCI "engaged in the publication of false and defamatory statements about Plaintiff without reasonable care as to the truth or falsity of the statements resulting in actual damage to the plaintiff's reputation."