Shegerian & Associates: "Rehab to the Stars" Treatment Center Sued by Former VP Over Fraud Claims
Sep 07, 2018, 20:18 ET
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A former vice president for Passages Addiction Treatment Centers, a Los Angeles company whose posh resorts cater to celebrities and other wealthy individuals seeking substance abuse treatment, has sued the company for retaliating against her due to exposing fraud in the company.
Maureen Fahey, a former senior vice president of operations for Passages, filed suit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging that, in her position, she uncovered evidence that the CEO and his father, Pax and Chris Prentiss, as well as other executives in the company, were deliberately committing fraud.
After confronting the company leadership about this, Fahey alleges that she and her husband, also an executive at the company, were subjected to escalating retaliation and mistreatment, and were eventually fired.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Fahey was subject to sexual discrimination and harassment, including unwanted touching and sexual intimidation by Chris Prentiss, the company's president.
Representing Fahey is Carney Shegerian, head of Shegerian & Associates, a top Los Angeles employment law firm.
"Whistleblowing can be very risky for employees," said Shegerian, "but it's a crucial safety valve for a company that's gone off the rails. This lawsuit will help show workers across California that they can and should stand up for the law and for their own rights in the workplace."
This won't be the first time that Shegerian & Associates has tussled against Passages in court. In 2017, the firm won a $1.82 million verdict on behalf of client Cynthia Begazo. The jury in that case found that Passages had discriminated against Begazo due to her disability and whistleblowing actions.
"It's not surprising that we have to bring another case against Passages," said Shegerian, "because a company that would break the law with one employee may well do it again. But it is disappointing."
He added, "We're very pleased to represent Ms. Fahey, and we look forwarding to showing the court the merits of her case, but it would be even better if Passages learned to obey the law. We will continue holding them accountable."
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California and with offices in San Diego, San Francisco, & New York, Shegerian & Associates is a law firm specializing in protecting the rights of employees who have been wronged by their employers. Carney Shegerian, Trial Lawyer of the Year Award winner for 2013, has won 80 jury trials in his career, including 37 seven-figure verdicts. Shegerian & Associates is passionately dedicated to serving the needs of its clients. For more information about the firm, visit www.ShegerianLaw.com.
Media Contact: To arrange interviews with Carney Shegerian employment law matters, please contact [email protected]
SOURCE Shegerian & Associates