More Misconduct in the News in January 2025

It’s not even February and headlines about workplace misconduct are already piling up. Between the  Philadelphia Eagles fan who was fired after a misogynistic outburst at the Eagles/ Packers game, to the UF pediatrician accused of shocking acts of bullying, racism, and abuse, this month’s misconduct stories breaking news are  eye-opening.

Check out this week’s edition of even More Misconduct in the News in January 2025: 

Foul-mouthed fan banned from Eagles home games, fired from job after viral tirade against woman

“A Philadelphia sports fan, who went on a misogynistic tirade against a female Green Bay Packers fan in [a] viral video, lost his job and won't be allowed to ever attend another Eagles home game, officials said Tuesday.

The ugly scene was captured on cellphone video during the Eagles' NFC wild-card round victory Sunday night at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philly.” (NBC News)

Wyoming Trucking Company to Pay $124,000 in EEOC Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

“According to the lawsuit, Waller’s owner sexually harassed two female employees over several years. He frequently made crude and sexually explicit comments to female employees in front of their coworkers and over the mobile radio system. He also inappropriately grabbed female employees without their permission. Despite multiple complaints and reports of sexual harassment, Waller’s failed to take action to stop the harassment and continued to foster a hostile work environment, leading to the forced resignation of the two female employees.” (EEOC)

Court documents reveal St. Helens teacher’s alleged history of sexual misconduct spanning nearly 2 decades

“Newly filed court documents suggest that Eric Stearns, a St. Helens High School teacher arrested on charges of sexual abuse, may have a history of misconduct dating back to his time at Fowler Middle School in Tigard.

Stearns worked at Fowler Middle School from 2014 to 2016 but left under controversial circumstances. Prosecutors say Stearns was forced to resign after complaints were filed regarding his sexualized behavior.” (KPTV)

4 UF Health employees complain of bullying, racism and abuse from physician

“UF Health Jacksonville pediatrician, Dr. Barbara Knox, is facing staff accusations of bullying coworkers, violating patient privacy and making racist remarks. In June 2022, UF Health Jacksonville hired Knox to serve as a physician at the First Coast Child Protection Team, which treats children suspected of facing abuse. 

Knox’s hiring at UF raised eyebrows given her controversy-marred professional history. In both Wisconsin and Alaska, the doctor faced complaints about workplace misconduct and misdiagnoses while serving in similar roles related to child abuse. Ultimately, she left both states amid investigations and lawsuits into her conduct.” (Alligator)

Former BOE (Board of Elections) staffer initiates legal action over alleged harassment by agency head

“The City first reported that the government watchdog found that [Executive Director Michael] Ryan made unwelcome and offensive comments to the two staffers. A shorter version of the DOI report released publicly confirmed that the behavior included comments that were ‘sexually suggestive, about a sexualized topic’ or about Jaquez’s appearance, who was identified in the DOI report at ‘Complainant 1.’ ‘Some of the comments also centered around Complainant 1’s ethnicity and involved offensive stories and stereotypes about individuals of the same or similar heritage,’ the report added.” (City and State New York)

BHUSD (Beverly Hills Unified School District) Athletic Director Faces Allegations of Sexual Harassment, Retaliation

“On Nov. 1, 2024, Robbin Cafagna, who served as an assistant and head coach of middle and high school tennis between June 2021 and June 2023, filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that Tim Ellis, the district’s executive director of athletics, subjected her to ongoing harassment and retaliation…. 

According to Cafagna’s lawsuit, the harassment began nearly as soon as she was hired. The complaint alleges that the first time Cafagna and Ellis met, he engaged her in an ‘uncomfortable hug,’ then began showing up regularly to her practices.

Soon, the complaint alleges, he began making inappropriate remarks such as ‘You look sexy today’ and peppering her with graphic sexual questions and comments. The complaint goes on to allege that Ellis called Cafagna while he was drunk and ‘insinuated through innuendo that he wanted to have a sexual affair with her.’ This behavior continued, with Ellis calling Cafagna several more times while intoxicated and repeatedly implying she should come to his home to have sex.” (Beverly Hills Courier)

Lawsuit alleges female workers were harassed at Detroit Stellantis complex, federal agency says

“The agency (EEOC) says the lawsuit claims female employees were harassed by male supervisors and coworkers with explicit comments and inappropriate touching. 

The lawsuit, according to the agency, alleges some of the women complained to the company, who failed to act in response to some complaints and responded in an untimely or careless manner to other complaints.” (CBS News) 

Feds detail pattern of ‘unchecked misconduct’ within Louisiana State Police

“Department of Justice investigators found systemic problems from a culture of aggression, “unchecked misconduct” and unusual tactics within State Police that encourage troopers to escalate interactions with citizens. These problems and others contribute to a pattern or practice of excessive force that violates the constitutional rights of citizens, according to a report from the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.” (KALB News) 

Bisexual barman awarded £10,000 after boss called him 'princess'

Scott Duncan, a bisexual bar worker, was awarded over £10,000 after his boss, Albert McPherson, repeatedly referred to him with derogatory terms such as "princess" and "poof." Duncan felt humiliated and was also mocked for allegedly being in a relationship with a male customer. The situation became intolerable when he was fired for refusing to serve an offensive customer, leading him to successfully sue for sexual orientation discrimination. The tribunal found that Duncan was forced to work in a hostile and oppressive environment. (The Times) 

California Law Allowing Employers to Get Workplace Violence TROs (Temporary Restraining Orders) Covering Harassment Takes Effect January 1, 2025

A new California law allows employers to obtain temporary restraining orders (TROs) to protect employees from harassment before conduct escalates to acts of violence or credible threats. The law expands the existing framework, enabling employers to act proactively in safeguarding their workforce. (Ogletree Deakins) 

Nearly half of US employees witnessed harassment in last 5 years

Compliance training organization, Traliant, researched the State of Workplace Harassment by surveying 2,000 US employees. The data showed in the last 5 years:

• Nearly ½ witnessed workplace harassment 
• 1 in 4 had been targets of workplace harassment themselves 
• Only 40% of those who were exposed to workplace harassment reported it to HR. 34% reported it to their manager.
• Low reporting rates were attributed to inadequate reporting mechanisms or unclear procedures, where employees don't know where, how, and to whom they can report.

Prevention and action are key. Online screening is 1 way to identify and prevent workplace harassment and misconduct. (HR Director)

Recording captured ex-interpreter impersonating Ohtani to transfer $200,000, prosecutors say

“A nearly four-minute audio recording allegedly captured Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara impersonating the baseball star on a call with a bank as he attempted to transfer $200,000 for what he describes as a car loan, federal prosecutors said Thursday. 

The recording referenced in a court filing and obtained by The Associated Press is being used to back up prosecutors' push for a nearly five-year sentence for Mizuhara, who previously pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing almost $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star.” (CBS News)

While the year may be new, the challenges remain all too familiar. These headlines highlight the ongoing need for stronger workplace policies, better oversight, and accountability. To learn how Fama can help your organization stay out of the headlines for misconduct, request a demo today.