In a dramatic legal battle, a former employee has filed a comprehensive lawsuit against his previous employer and several individuals, alleging severe misconduct and wrongful termination. Travis Alexander lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on June 24, 2024, targeting American Cleaning & Restoration South, LLC, and four of its executives.
Alexander's allegations paint a disturbing picture of his time at American Cleaning & Restoration South, LLC. According to the complaint, Alexander began working for the company as a project manager in July 2017. Despite receiving multiple raises and positive performance reviews, he claims he was subjected to relentless sexual harassment by Brian Ericksen, one of the company's principal owners. The harassment included secret videotaping in bathrooms, unwelcome physical advances such as grabbing genitalia and attempting to kiss him in front of coworkers. Alexander reported these incidents to local law enforcement on August 17, 2023, leading to Ericksen's arrest on November 6, 2023.
The complaint further alleges that other co-owners—Ronald Beideman, Allan Weinheimer, and Jan Bedard—were aware of Ericksen's behavior but failed to take any action to stop it. Instead of addressing his complaints about the unlawful conduct, Alexander claims he was wrongfully terminated on October 13, 2023. He asserts that this termination was a direct retaliation for reporting the misconduct.
Alexander is seeking extensive relief from the court. He demands compensation for lost wages and benefits due to his wrongful termination and seeks damages for severe mental anguish and emotional distress caused by the hostile work environment. Additionally, he requests punitive damages against both American Cleaning & Restoration South LLC and its executives for their reckless indifference to his rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Representing Alexander are attorneys Gary D. Ashman and Frank Lara from Ashman & Stein P.C., while Judge presiding over this case is yet to be assigned. The case ID is 1:24-cv-05214.