Patricia Adams has filed a compelling lawsuit against her former employer, alleging sexual harassment and discrimination. The complaint was filed on February 24, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, targeting Johnson’s Villa Park, Inc., doing business as Johnson’s Lighthouse BP.
Adams' case is rooted in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, claiming that she faced severe sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination during her brief employment from October to December 2024. According to the lawsuit, Adams began experiencing inappropriate behavior from her supervisor, Joel (last name unknown), almost immediately after starting her job as a cashier. One disturbing incident occurred during her orientation when Joel sent a text message with sexually suggestive language after she bent over to pick up a cap. This behavior escalated when Joel offered Adams rides home due to her lack of transportation. During one such ride, he allegedly made an unwanted sexual advance by placing his hand on her thigh. Adams quickly exited the vehicle and arranged alternative transportation thereafter.
The complaint details how Joel retaliated against Adams after she rejected his advances by micromanaging her work and altering her schedule without notice or reason. This retaliation culminated in Adams’ termination on December 10, 2024, under vague pretenses despite having no performance issues or tardiness during her tenure. The lawsuit asserts that these actions were direct retaliation for rejecting Joel's advances and opposing unlawful conduct.
Adams seeks various forms of relief from the court including back pay with interest, front pay and benefits, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, injunctive relief to prevent further violations by the defendant, attorney’s fees and costs. She argues that these remedies are necessary to address the financial and emotional harm caused by the defendant's alleged unlawful actions.
Representing Patricia Adams are attorneys Nathan C. Volheim and Mally L. Slone from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., based in Lombard, Illinois. The case is presided over under Case ID: 1:25-cv-01917.