Patricia Adams has taken a bold step in seeking justice against her former employer, accusing them of sexual harassment, discrimination based on sex, and retaliation. On February 24, 2025, Adams filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Johnson’s Villa Park, Inc., doing business as Johnson’s Lighthouse BP. This case sheds light on the alleged misconduct within the workplace and Adams' fight for her rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to the complaint, Patricia Adams began working as a cashier at Johnson’s Lighthouse BP on October 23, 2024. From the outset of her employment, she claims to have been subjected to inappropriate behavior by her supervisor, Joel (last name unknown). The first incident occurred during her orientation when Joel sent an inappropriate text message referencing a moment when Adams bent over to pick up a cap. The harassment allegedly escalated when Joel offered Adams rides home due to her lack of transportation. During one such ride, he reportedly made unwanted sexual advances by placing his hand on her lap and rubbing her thighs. After rejecting these advances and securing alternative transportation, Adams claims that Joel retaliated by micromanaging her work and altering her schedule without notice or reason.
Adams further alleges that this pattern of retaliation culminated in her termination on December 10, 2024. She was informed that "it wasn’t working out," despite having no performance issues or tardiness during her tenure. The lawsuit argues that this termination was not only unjust but also a direct result of Adams opposing Joel's sexual advances and reporting his conduct.
In filing this lawsuit, Patricia Adams seeks various forms of relief from the court. She is asking for back pay and benefits lost due to her termination, compensatory damages for emotional distress suffered as a result of the harassment and discrimination, punitive damages to deter future misconduct by the defendant, and reasonable attorney’s fees. Additionally, she requests injunctive relief to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Representing Patricia Adams are attorneys Nathan C. Volheim and Mally L. Slone from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., based in Lombard, Illinois. The case is identified as Case No.: 1:25-cv-01917 and will be heard in front of judges from the Northern District of Illinois.