In a shocking case of alleged workplace misconduct, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer for sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Mae Thompson lodged the complaint against Garvey Manor Nursing Home in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on June 3, 2024.
Mae Thompson, represented by Briana Lynn Pearson from The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, accuses Garvey Manor Nursing Home of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). According to the complaint, Thompson began working at Garvey Manor as a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) on January 18, 2021. Her tenure was marred by repeated sexual harassment from her supervisor, Jesse Pellow, who held the position of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and charge nurse.
Thompson reported these incidents to higher management multiple times. She initially approached April Lauver, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Becky Wilson, Director of Nursing. However, instead of taking effective action against Pellow, they dismissed her concerns and labeled her as "crazy" and "hallucinating," advising her to seek psychiatric help. This lack of support continued even after she escalated her complaints to Lacey Chamberlain, Director of Human Resources.
Despite enduring long shifts that often extended up to sixteen hours a day and facing constant harassment from Pellow—who made inappropriate comments about her appearance and personal life—no significant actions were taken to protect Thompson or address her complaints. The hostile work environment reached its peak when Pellow publicly insinuated that he had given Thompson her engagement ring—a false claim that humiliated her further.
Thompson's attempts to seek justice within the organization proved futile. An internal investigation into Pellow's conduct resulted in no significant disciplinary actions against him. On January 27, 2022, an incident where Thompson's car tire was slashed and caught fire exacerbated her feelings of insecurity at work. Consequently, she felt compelled to resign on April 25, 2022.
The lawsuit also highlights that other employees experienced similar harassment from Pellow but received no adequate response from Garvey Manor’s management. This pattern suggests systemic neglect in addressing harassment claims within the organization.
Thompson is seeking compensatory damages for economic loss and emotional distress caused by Garvey Manor’s actions. She also demands punitive damages and reimbursement for attorneys’ fees and court costs. Furthermore, she requests any additional relief deemed just by the court.
The case is being overseen by Judge Susan L. Hightower under Case ID: 3:24-cv-00133-SLH.