Cedric Brooks has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging sexual harassment, sex-based discrimination, and retaliation. The complaint was lodged on December 27, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Elgin Die Mold Company. This case highlights serious allegations of workplace misconduct and the legal battle that ensues when an employee believes their rights have been violated.
The lawsuit centers around events that occurred shortly after Brooks began working as a Step-Up Technician for Elgin Die Mold Company through Midway Staffing, Inc., from October 30 to November 8, 2024. Brooks claims he was subjected to sexual harassment by a trainer named Juan Alvarado on November 1, 2024. According to the complaint, Alvarado made an inappropriate gesture towards Brooks, causing him distress. Despite reporting this incident to his staffing agency immediately and later filing an official complaint on November 8, Brooks alleges that Elgin Die Mold Company retaliated by terminating his employment rather than addressing the harassment claim.
Brooks's legal action is grounded in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. He argues that his termination was not only unjust but also retaliatory following his complaint about the harassment. "The timing of the termination can only be due to Plaintiff's complaint," states the lawsuit. Moreover, Brooks contends that he faced different terms and conditions of employment compared to those outside his protected class and was part of a hostile work environment due to his sex.
In response to these alleged violations of federal law, Brooks seeks various forms of relief from the court. He demands back pay with interest and front pay along with compensatory damages for emotional distress suffered due to the alleged misconduct. Additionally, he requests punitive damages and attorney’s fees while urging for injunctive relief to prevent further occurrences of such behavior at Elgin Die Mold Company.
Representing Cedric Brooks is attorney Chad W. Eisenback from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., based in Lombard, Illinois. The case is being overseen by judges at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:24-cv-13257.