In a dramatic legal battle that underscores the complexities of workplace harassment and defamation, a former contractor at a state prison has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer. On August 22, 2024, Melissa Stolsig lodged a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, accusing the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) of multiple violations including defamation and retaliation.
Melissa Stolsig's lawsuit alleges that she was subjected to severe gender-based harassment during her tenure as a staff psychologist at SVSP from May 2019 to January 2022. Despite her efforts to report the misconduct through official channels, including a detailed memorandum submitted on September 23, 2021, CDCR failed to take any action. The lack of response led Stolsig to not renew her contract in January 2022. In February 2024, when she sought employment at another CDCR facility, an individual at SVSP allegedly provided false and defamatory information about her work performance during an employment verification process. The email accused Stolsig of "problematic behaviors" such as "letting her personal life come into work," "crying with patients while in session," and "allowing a session to continue after a patient was masturbating in front of her." These statements severely damaged her professional reputation and placed her on a statewide do-not-hire list.
Stolsig's complaint includes claims for defamation, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, negligent interference with prospective economic advantage, and retaliation in violation of Labor Code §1102.5. She asserts that the defamatory statements were made with malice and reckless disregard for their truthfulness. As evidence against these allegations, she points out that colleagues are willing to testify about the quality of her work and the subcontracting company never received any complaints regarding her performance.
The plaintiff is seeking general damages for lost wages and benefits, special damages for diminished earning capacity, punitive damages to deter similar future conduct by the defendants, costs incurred from the suit, attorneys' fees as permitted by law, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest as allowed by law, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Represented by Nicholas R. Webb from BalestraWebb Law Firm based in Benicia, CA., Melissa Stolsig aims to hold CDCR accountable for what she describes as gross misconduct that has had devastating effects on her career. The case is being overseen by Judge [Name] under Case No.: 2024CU DFO29092.