Employee alleges multiple instances of sexual assault, harassment, and managerial inaction
Haymarket, VA — A former hiring manager of the Chick-Fil-A in Haymarket has filed a lawsuit alleging that she was the victim of multiple sexual assaults and harassment by co-workers, and that management did little to address the issues. The case, number 1:23-cv-01261, was filed on September 19, 2023, and documents a series of troubling incidents dating back to 2017.
Long Tenure, Multiple Promotions
The Plaintiff, Alexandra Huttner, began working at Chick-Fil-A in 2016 and quickly climbed the ranks, from team member to team lead, and eventually to Hiring Director in 2021. Her history at the company is described as one filled with exemplary performance, promotions, bonuses, and customer and management praise.
First and Second Workplace Assaults
The complaint details two separate instances of alleged sexual assault. The first took place in December 2017 when Nicholas Balcazar, a kitchen worker, allegedly trapped and attempted to kiss the Plaintiff in the walk-in cooler. The second alleged assault occurred in September 2018 when Mr. Efrain Martinez, a Kitchen Shift Manager, reportedly attempted to kiss her and bit her shoulder, again inside the walk-in cooler.
Management's Response
According to Huttner's lawsuit, the incidents were reported to multiple management figures, including Janet Loggy, Vice President of Business Operations, and Nestor Hernandez, Kitchen Manager. However, instead of taking decisive action, management allegedly urged her not to involve law enforcement due to fears of revealing workers' illegal immigration status and promised to "handle the situation" internally.
Ongoing Harassment
The Plaintiff alleges that despite assurances from management, the harassment continued unabated. Balcazar was rehired and allegedly continued to create a hostile work environment, while Ana Garcia, the new Kitchen Manager, purportedly threatened the Plaintiff after she reported Balcazar's actions.
Involvement of Law Enforcement
After further harassment and the surfacing of similar allegations against Balcazar by another co-worker, the Plaintiff filed a detailed complaint with the Haymarket Police Department. The Plaintiff alleges that Chick-Fil-A took no significant action and continued to allow her to work in a hostile environment.
Mental and Emotional Strain
The lawsuit also describes an emotionally charged confrontation with Jason Ward, Chick-Fil-A Haymarket owner, and other management personnel, who accused the Plaintiff of "deteriorating mental health" and "being a liar."
According to the lawsuit, the Haymarket Police Department is currently investigating the matter, but conflicting reports indicate that the Police may have been unable to move forward with charges because the statute of limitations may have tolled.
Chick-Fil-A’s Statement
Chick-Fil-A has yet to release a public statement regarding the lawsuit. Given the serious nature of the allegations, many in the community are demanding a thorough investigation.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Breaking Through News.
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