In a recent legal filing, two individuals have accused the executor of an estate of failing to pay them wages and other compensation owed for their work as domestic caregivers. The complaint was filed by Yohane Taku, formerly known as Juan Jose Rodriguez, and Maria Guerrero in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura on January 31, 2025. They allege that Tiffany Van Wingerden, acting as the executor of Elias Springer's estate and trustee of his trust, owes them substantial unpaid wages and damages.
The plaintiffs claim they were employed by Elias Springer and his wife Marilyn as domestic workers. Maria Guerrero started working for the Springers around 2015, while Yohane Taku began in 2021. They allege that after Marilyn's death in 2020 and Elias's death in August 2023, they were left with unpaid wages despite having worked extensive hours under challenging conditions. The lawsuit details several allegations against Van Wingerden including failure to pay minimum wages, overtime compensation, denial of meal and rest periods, failure to furnish accurate wage statements, failure to indemnify necessary expenses, waiting time penalties, and violations under California's Business and Professions Code §17200.
According to the complaint, Maria Guerrero was paid between $300-600 per week while working up to 18 hours a day without receiving appropriate overtime or rest breaks. She also incurred personal expenses for groceries which were not reimbursed. Similarly, Yohane Taku claims he was not paid any wages from May through August 2023 despite working full-time during this period. Both plaintiffs argue that these actions violated various sections of the California Labor Code designed to protect worker rights.
The plaintiffs are seeking judgment from the court for past and future lost wages along with other compensatory damages including attorney fees and costs. They are also requesting injunctive relief against further violations by the defendants.
Representing the plaintiffs is Ely Grinvald from Los Angeles-based law firm with case number OVS1/2025 filed at Ventura Superior Court. The defense is led by Amber Rodriguez from The Law Office of Amber Rodriguez in Ventura.