Firm sues over obscene phone calls

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- A Utah company that provides telephone services for the deaf says a man has made hundreds of obscene phone calls to its staff.

Sorenson Communications, based in Salt Lake City, named "John Doe" as the defendant in the lawsuit, ABC News reported. Officials there said the caller has sometimes used the name "Rick Smith," but they have been unable to verify that identity.

The calls appear to originate from Verizon phones in the Sacramento area, the company said. Ann Bardsley, the public relations director, said the lawsuit, filed Sept. 16, should allow the company to subpoena records in the hope of learning the caller's identity.

"We just want relief from this harassing individual," Bardsley said.