Ernst v. Sumner Group, Inc.

KENNETH M. ROMINES, Judge.

Introduction

Sumner Group Inc., appeals the decision of the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission granting James Ernst unemployment benefits. The Commission held that Ernst’s acts of sending sexual emails via Sumner Groups internet did not violate Sumner Group’s computer usage policy, and therefore did not amount to misconduct related with work. See Section 288.050.2 RSMo (2000). 1 We reverse. 2

Factual and Procedural Background

Sumner Group, Inc. (“Sumner Group”) is a business that sells and services office equipment. On 10 May 2006, Sumner Group hired James Ernst…