In a gripping legal battle that highlights workplace misconduct, a California resident has filed a lawsuit against his employer, alleging severe violations of labor laws and sexual harassment. Carlos Andres Cardenas Torres lodged the complaint on January 28, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, targeting Lark Avenue Car Wash as the defendant.
The case revolves around multiple allegations made by Torres against Lark Avenue Car Wash. According to the complaint, Torres claims that he has been subjected to persistent sexual harassment by his manager, Erica Lewis. The complaint details disturbing incidents where Lewis allegedly made unwanted physical contact and inappropriate comments towards Torres. It is stated that Lewis referred to Torres as her boyfriend despite knowing he had a partner and even suggested engaging in a threesome with him and his partner. Despite complaints made by Torres to other supervisors about this behavior, no action was taken to address or rectify the situation.
Beyond the harassment claims, Torres accuses Lark Avenue Car Wash of numerous labor law violations under California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). These include failure to pay minimum wage for all hours worked due to "time shaving," inadequate overtime compensation, and not providing proper meal and rest breaks as required by law. The complaint also alleges that employees were not reimbursed for business expenses such as uniforms and cell phone use, and tips were improperly handled.
Torres seeks various forms of relief from the court. He demands compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits, general damages for emotional distress caused by the hostile work environment, punitive damages to penalize Lark Avenue Car Wash for its alleged misconduct, and civil penalties under PAGA for labor code violations. Additionally, he requests attorney’s fees and costs associated with bringing this action forward.
Representing Carlos Andres Cardenas Torres is Harout Messrelian from Messrelian Law Inc., while the case is presided over in Santa Clara's Superior Court under Case No.: 25CV457607. As this legal confrontation unfolds, it underscores significant issues regarding employee rights and corporate accountability within workplaces.