Partners Peter D. Valenzano and Christian V. McOmber represent Andrea Pierce in a sexual harassment claim recently filed against Recovery Centers of America, LLC d/b/a RCA at Raritan Bay (“Defendant RCA”) and its Chief Executive Officer, James Haggerty (“Defendant Haggerty”).
The complaint alleges that Defendant RCA allowed Defendant Haggerty to relentlessly sexually harass Ms. Pierce. More specifically, the complaint alleges that on two occasions, Defendant Haggerty sexually assaulted Ms. Pierce in her own home, forcing her into a relapse into alcoholism. Furthermore, after reporting Defendant Haggerty’s sexual assault, Plaintiff was subject to retaliation meant to isolate her, humiliate her, and force her out of the company.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Monmouth County Superior Court, alleges violations of, among other things, New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination. Ms. Pierce seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, emotional distress damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs.
“The allegations are deeply disturbing. As alleged in the complaint, RCA willingly and indifferently allowed CEO James Haggerty to repeatedly harass, humiliate, and sexually assault Ms. Pierce. After reporting this behavior to the company, Ms. Pierce was subject to retaliation designed to oust her from her role. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our client in exposing this unlawful behavior.” Peter D. Valenzano, McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C.