In a shocking case that underscores the critical importance of workplace safety and accountability, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging severe misconduct at a company event. Jane Doe, represented by Quirk Law Firm, LLP, filed the complaint in the Superior Court of California for the County of Ventura on May 8, 2025. The defendants named in the suit include Smart & Final Stores LLC, Chedraui USA, Inc., and Joseph Pearson.
The lawsuit details harrowing allegations against Joseph Pearson, an Assistant District Manager at Smart & Final Stores LLC. On December 18, 2018, during an annual company Christmas party held at Firestone Brewery in Buellton, California, Pearson allegedly led Jane Doe to a secluded area where he sexually assaulted her. The complaint asserts that this incident was not an isolated act but part of a broader pattern of sexual harassment and negligence by the defendants. Jane Doe had been employed with Smart & Final for over twelve years and was a senior assistant manager at the time of the incident.
According to the complaint, Smart & Final organized and sponsored the party but failed to provide adequate safeguards or transportation for attendees who consumed alcohol. Despite knowing about Jane Doe's intoxicated state, Pearson allegedly took advantage of her incapacitation to commit sexual assault. The lawsuit claims that this conduct violated several provisions under California law including sexual assault and battery statutes as well as employment discrimination laws under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Jane Doe is seeking comprehensive relief from the court including economic damages for lost wages and medical expenses as well as non-economic damages for emotional distress. She also seeks punitive damages due to what she describes as willful and malicious conduct by Pearson and negligent oversight by Smart & Final and Chedraui USA. Additionally, she requests injunctive relief mandating that Smart & Final implement training programs to prevent future incidents of harassment.
This case raises significant questions about corporate responsibility in preventing workplace harassment and ensuring employee safety during company-sponsored events. The plaintiff's legal team argues that Smart & Final's failure to take reasonable steps to prevent such misconduct constitutes gross negligence.
Representing Jane Doe is Trevor M. Quirk from Quirk Law Firm LLP while details about attorneys representing the defendants have not been disclosed in public records available so far. The case has been assigned Case No.: 2O2ZSCILWIPPO43641 in Ventura Superior Court.