Danette Barron has taken legal action against her former employer, alleging a series of grave offenses that have left her emotionally and financially distressed. On January 31, 2025, Barron filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, accusing Plastic View ATV, Inc., Roberto Rodriguez Sr., and unnamed defendants of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation related to a sexual assault incident at her workplace.
The lawsuit details Barron's harrowing experiences while employed as a Sales Administrator at Plastic View ATV since 2018. She claims that beginning in 2022, she faced inappropriate advances from co-worker Roberto Rodriguez Sr., who allegedly attempted to grab her breasts on multiple occasions. Despite feeling uncomfortable and violated, Barron did not report these incidents due to the absence of a human resources department or any training on handling such situations. The situation escalated on February 1, 2023, when Rodriguez allegedly assaulted Barron by aggressively grabbing her and attempting to kiss her while groping her intimate areas. This incident left Barron shocked and humiliated.
Following the assault, Barron reported the incident to office manager Lil Dratler. However, she alleges that Dratler's response was inadequate; she merely instructed Rodriguez not to touch other employees without taking further action. Dratler also discouraged Barron from contacting the police about the assault. Feeling unsafe and unsupported at work, Barron subsequently filed a police report.
Barron's complaint accuses Plastic View ATV and Rodriguez of multiple violations under California law. These include discrimination based on sex/gender in violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), sexual harassment creating a hostile work environment, failure to prevent discrimination and harassment as required by FEHA, wrongful constructive termination in violation of public policy, negligent hiring and supervision practices leading to emotional distress for which she seeks damages.
Barron is seeking compensatory damages for lost earnings and benefits due to her inability to return to work following the incident. She also requests punitive damages against both defendants for their alleged malicious conduct intended to punish them and deter similar future behavior. Additionally, she seeks reimbursement for legal expenses incurred during this process along with any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Danette Barron are attorneys Kevin S. Wattles and Steven S. Nimoy from Soltman & Wattles LLP located in Thousand Oaks CA; they have formally demanded a jury trial on all issues presented within this case numbered 2025CUVYT OS e135 before an unspecified judge at Ventura County’s Superior Court system.