A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a Pennsylvania nursing home, alleging severe workplace misconduct. Mae Thompson lodged the complaint on June 3, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against Garvey Manor Nursing Home.
Thompson's case outlines a troubling series of events during her tenure at Garvey Manor from January 18, 2021, to April 25, 2022. She alleges that she was subjected to persistent sexual harassment by her supervisor, Jesse Pellow, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Despite reporting these incidents to higher management—specifically April Lauver and Becky Wilson—no effective action was taken. Instead of addressing her complaints, Thompson claims she faced retaliation. In one instance, during a meeting with Lauver and Wilson after reporting the harassment, she was presented with a write-up and dismissed as "crazy" and "hallucinating," advised to seek psychiatric help.
The allegations detail how Thompson’s working conditions became increasingly hostile. She recounts numerous inappropriate comments made by Pellow about her appearance and personal life. He allegedly followed her into secluded areas despite her requests for him to stop. On one occasion, he publicly insinuated that her engagement ring came from him—a claim that Thompson found both false and humiliating.
Thompson also reported these issues to Lacey Chamberlain, the Director of Human Resources. However, Chamberlain's response was limited to providing information on therapy services without taking further action. The lack of intervention allowed Pellow to continue his behavior unchecked, creating an unsafe work environment for Thompson.
The lawsuit describes how other employees also reported similar harassment by Pellow but received no support from management. This pattern suggests systemic neglect by Garvey Manor in handling harassment claims. The culmination of these experiences led Thompson to resign on April 25, 2022.
Thompson is seeking compensatory damages for economic loss and emotional distress caused by the alleged harassment and retaliation. Additionally, she is asking for punitive damages and coverage of attorney fees and court costs.
Representing Mae Thompson is Briana Lynn Pearson from The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore in Philadelphia. The case is being overseen by Judge Christopher C. Conner under Case ID: 1:24-cv-00906-CCC.