Case: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Bellair Cleaners Inc.

4:06-cv-03004 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas

Filed Date: Sept. 25, 2006

Closed Date: 2011

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

In September 2006, the Houston Office of the EEOC filed this lawsuit against a conglomerate of dry cleaning service providers, Defendants Bellair Cleaners, Inc., DenvilleBusiness, Inc, Heaven Star Enterprises, LLC; Heaven Star Enterprises I, LP, and Anna Naaz, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas alleging discrimination on the basis of gender, female, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically, the complaint alleged the defendant subj…

In September 2006, the Houston Office of the EEOC filed this lawsuit against a conglomerate of dry cleaning service providers, Defendants Bellair Cleaners, Inc., Denville

Business, Inc, Heaven Star Enterprises, LLC; Heaven Star Enterprises I, LP, and Anna Naaz, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas alleging discrimination on the basis of gender, female, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically, the complaint alleged the defendant subjected the complaining party to a sexually hostile work environment, culminating in her constructive discharge. The primary defendant declared bankruptcy in January 2008. Following discovery, the case was tried before a jury in February 2008.

The jury found in favor of the plaintiff EEOC. The subsequent injunctive judgment required the defendant to: allow access to the EEOC to monitor for compliance, utilize objective hiring criteria, post notice of employee rights and the judgment against the defendant, pay $55,000 to the complaining party; going forward, the judgment enjoined the defendant from discriminating. The injunctive judgment was set to last for three years.

The only subsequent activity that appears on the docket is costs assessed against the defendant, and so the case presumably closed in February 2011.

Summary Authors

Daisy Manning (5/13/2008)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4396773/parties/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-bellair-cleaners-inc/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Boutchee, Kathy D (Texas)

Bowne, Timothy M. (Texas)

Cooper, Ronald S. (District of Columbia)

Lee, James L. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Harmeyer, William F. (Texas)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

4:06-cv-03004

Docket [PACER]

April 22, 2010

April 22, 2010

Docket
1

4:06-cv-03004

Original Complaint

EEOC v. Bellair Cleaners, Inc.

Sept. 25, 2006

Sept. 25, 2006

Complaint
11

4:06-cv-03004

First Amended Original Complaint

EEOC v. Bellair Cleaners, Inc.

July 19, 2007

July 19, 2007

Complaint
43

4:06-cv-03004

Jury Verdict

EEOC v. Bellair Cleaners, Inc.

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

Other

2008 WL 2008

50

4:06-cv-03004

Order Granting Injunctive Relief

EEOC v. Bellair Cleaners, Inc.

Feb. 29, 2008

Feb. 29, 2008

Order/Opinion
51

4:06-cv-03004

Judgment

EEOC v. Bellair Cleaners, Inc.

Feb. 29, 2008

Feb. 29, 2008

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4396773/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-v-bellair-cleaners-inc/

Last updated March 27, 2024, 3:04 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Bellair Cleaners Inc filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.(rwestmoreland, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 9/25/2006 (mmapps, ). (Entered: 09/25/2006)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Sept. 25, 2006

Sept. 25, 2006

RECAP

Summons Issued as to Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed.(rwestmoreland, )

Sept. 25, 2006

Sept. 25, 2006

PACER
2

ORDER for Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference and Order to Disclose Interested Persons. Initial Conference set for 1/26/2007 at 08:45 AM in Courtroom 11B before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. ( Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal ) Parties notified. (mmapps, ) (Entered: 09/25/2006)

Sept. 25, 2006

Sept. 25, 2006

PACER
3

CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed.(Boutchee, Kathy) (Entered: 10/11/2006)

Oct. 11, 2006

Oct. 11, 2006

PACER
4

ANSWER to Complaint with Jury Demand by Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed.(sbyrum, ) (Entered: 11/09/2006)

Nov. 7, 2006

Nov. 7, 2006

PACER
5

Joint JOINT DISCOVERY/CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed.(Boutchee, Kathy) (Entered: 01/12/2007)

Jan. 12, 2007

Jan. 12, 2007

PACER
6

ORDER entered Cancelling initial pretrial and scheduling conference set for 1/26/07. Docket control order to be entered.( Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal ) Parties notified.(leddins, ) (Entered: 01/24/2007)

Jan. 24, 2007

Jan. 24, 2007

PACER
7

SCHEDULING ORDER entered: Joinder of Parties due by 6/8/2007; Pltf Expert Witness List due by 7/16/2007; Pltf Expert Report due by 7/16/2007; Deft Expert Witness List due by 8/17/2007; Deft Expert Report due by 8/17/2007; Discovery due by 10/26/2007; Mediation due by 9/7/2007; Dispositive Motion Filing due by 11/16/2007; Non-Dispositive Motion Filing due by 1/18/2008; Docket Call set for 1/25/2008 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 11B before Judge Lee H Rosenthal.( Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal ) Parties notified.(leddins, ) (Entered: 01/24/2007)

Jan. 24, 2007

Jan. 24, 2007

PACER
8

CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES, filed.(Harmeyer, William) (Entered: 02/07/2007)

Feb. 7, 2007

Feb. 7, 2007

PACER
9

Opposed MOTION to Amend by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed. Motion Docket Date 6/28/2007. (Attachments: # 1 Complaint First Amended Original Complaint# 2 Proposed Order)(Boutchee, Kathy) (Entered: 06/08/2007)

1 Complaint First Amended Original Complaint

View on PACER

2 Proposed Order

View on PACER

June 8, 2007

June 8, 2007

PACER
10

ORDER granting 9 Motion to Amend.( Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal ) Parties notified.(ypippin, ) (Entered: 07/23/2007)

July 19, 2007

July 19, 2007

PACER
11

AMENDED complaint with Jury Demand against Denville Business Inc, Heaven Star Enterprises LLC, Heaven Star Enterprises I LP, Anna Naaz Inc, Bellair Cleaners Inc filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.(ypippin, ) (Entered: 07/23/2007)

July 19, 2007

July 19, 2007

PACER
12

Joint Proposed Pretrial Order by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Plaintiff's Proposed Voir Dire Questions# 2 Exhibit Plaintiff's Exhibit List# 3 Exhibit Plaintiff's Witness List# 4 Exhibit Plaintiff's Mmorandum of Law# 5 Exhibit Parties Proposed Jury Charge# 6 Exhibit Defendant's Proposed Voir Dire Questions# 7 Exhibit Defendant's Exhibit List# 8 Exhibit Defendant's Witness List)(Boutchee, Kathy) (Entered: 01/18/2008)

1 Exhibit Plaintiff's Proposed Voir Dire Questions

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Plaintiff's Exhibit List

View on PACER

3 Exhibit Plaintiff's Witness List

View on PACER

4 Exhibit Plaintiff's Mmorandum of Law

View on PACER

5 Exhibit Parties Proposed Jury Charge

View on PACER

6 Exhibit Defendant's Proposed Voir Dire Questions

View on PACER

7 Exhibit Defendant's Exhibit List

View on PACER

8 Exhibit Defendant's Witness List

View on PACER

Jan. 18, 2008

Jan. 18, 2008

PACER
13

MOTION in Limine by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed. Motion Docket Date 2/7/2008. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Order on Plaintiff''s Motion in Limine)(Boutchee, Kathy) (Entered: 01/18/2008)

1 Proposed Order Order on Plaintiff''s Motion in Limine

View on PACER

Jan. 18, 2008

Jan. 18, 2008

PACER
14

NOTICE of Resetting. Parties notified.Docket Call reset for 1/28/2008 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 11B before Judge Lee H Rosenthal, filed. (leddins, ) (Entered: 01/22/2008)

Jan. 22, 2008

Jan. 22, 2008

PACER
15

Opposed EXHIBITS re: 12 Proposed Pretrial Order, by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Related document: 12 Proposed Pretrial Order,, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Boutchee, Kathy) (Entered: 01/24/2008)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Jan. 24, 2008

Jan. 24, 2008

PACER
16

TRIAL BRIEF on Jurisdiction by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed.(Boutchee, Kathy) (Entered: 01/24/2008)

Jan. 24, 2008

Jan. 24, 2008

PACER
17

NOTICE OF BANKRUPTCY by Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed. (Harmeyer, William) (Entered: 01/27/2008)

Jan. 27, 2008

Jan. 27, 2008

PACER
18

RESPONSE to 17 Notice (Other) of Bankruptcy, filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Bowne, Timothy) (Entered: 01/28/2008)

Jan. 28, 2008

Jan. 28, 2008

PACER
19

Minute entry for docket call held before Judge Lee H. Rosenthal on 1/28/2008Trial is scheduled to begin on 2/4/2008 at 1:30 p.m. The court granted the motions in limine as stated in the record. The EEOC's exhibits 7 through 20 and 22 are admitted into evidence. The defendants withdrew the only exhibit offered. Appearances: Kathy Boutchee/Timothy Bowne for Pltf. EEOC and William Harmeyer for Defts.(Court Reporter: Ed Reed), filed.(leddins, ) (Entered: 01/28/2008)

Jan. 28, 2008

Jan. 28, 2008

PACER
20

NOTICE of Resetting. Parties notified.Jury Trial reset for 2/5/2007 at 08:30 AM in Courtroom 11B before Judge Lee H Rosenthal, filed. (leddins, ) (Entered: 01/31/2008)

Jan. 31, 2008

Jan. 31, 2008

PACER
21

NOTICE of Resetting as to 20 Notice of Resetting. Parties notified.Jury Trial reset for 2/5/2008 at 08:30 AM in Courtroom 11B before Judge Lee H Rosenthal, filed. (leddins, ) (Entered: 01/31/2008)

Jan. 31, 2008

Jan. 31, 2008

PACER
22

NOTICE Amended Notice of Bankruptcy re: 17 Notice (Other) by Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed. (Attachments: # 1)(Harmeyer, William) (Entered: 02/01/2008)

Feb. 1, 2008

Feb. 1, 2008

PACER
23

MOTION for William F. Harmeyer to Withdraw as Attorney by Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed. Motion Docket Date 2/21/2008. (Harmeyer, William) (Entered: 02/01/2008)

Feb. 1, 2008

Feb. 1, 2008

PACER
24

NOTICE OR ORAL HEARING re: 23 MOTION for William F. Harmeyer to Withdraw as Attorney by Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed. (Harmeyer, William) (Entered: 02/01/2008)

Feb. 1, 2008

Feb. 1, 2008

PACER
25

RESPONSE to 22 Notice (Other) Amended Notice of Bankruptcy, filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Bowne, Timothy) (Entered: 02/04/2008)

Feb. 4, 2008

Feb. 4, 2008

PACER
26

RESPONSE in Opposition to 23 MOTION for William F. Harmeyer to Withdraw as Attorney, filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Bowne, Timothy) (Entered: 02/04/2008)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Feb. 4, 2008

Feb. 4, 2008

PACER
27

RETURN of Service Executed as to Nizar Ali on 2/1/08 re: Subpoena, filed.(dpower, ) (Entered: 02/05/2008)

Feb. 4, 2008

Feb. 4, 2008

PACER
28

RETURN of Service Executed as to Parrish Payne on 1/31/08 re: Subpoena, filed.(dpower, ) (Entered: 02/05/2008)

Feb. 4, 2008

Feb. 4, 2008

PACER
29

RETURN of Service Executed as to Maria Rossana Ruiz on 1/31/08 re: Subpoena, filed.(smurdock, ) (Entered: 02/05/2008)

Feb. 4, 2008

Feb. 4, 2008

PACER
30

RETURN of Service Executed as to Munita Ali on 2/4/08 re: Subpoena, filed.(smurdock, ) (Entered: 02/05/2008)

Feb. 4, 2008

Feb. 4, 2008

PACER
31

RETURN of Service Executed as to Antonio Reyes on 2/2/08 re: 2/4/08, filed.(dpower, ) (Entered: 02/05/2008)

Feb. 4, 2008

Feb. 4, 2008

PACER
32

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. Day 1 of Jury trial held on 2/5/2008. Jury selected and sworn. Court adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on 2/6/08. Appearances: Kathy Boutchee/Timothy Bowne for Pltf. and William Harmeyer for Defts.(Court Reporter: K. Metzger), filed.(leddins, ) (Entered: 02/06/2008)

Feb. 5, 2008

Feb. 5, 2008

PACER
33

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. Second day of JURY TRIAL held on 2/6/2008. Opening statements heard. Plfts. case begins. Witness testimony taken. Exhibits admitted as stated on the record. Pltfs. rest. Defts. case begins. Defts. rests. Court is adjourned until 2/7/08, at 9:00 a.m. when closing arguments will be presented.Witnesses: Munira Ali, Maria Rosanna Ruiz, Nizar Ali and Parrish Payne. Appearances: Kathy Boutchee/Timothy Bowne for Pltf. and William Harmeyer for Defts.(Court Reporter: K. Metzger), filed.(leddins, ) (Entered: 02/07/2008)

Feb. 6, 2008

Feb. 6, 2008

PACER
34

ORDER entered for the Clerk's office to enter the attached jury instructions as part of the record. ( Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal ) (Attachments: # 1 jury iinstructions) Parties notified.(leddins, ) (Entered: 02/07/2008)

1 jury iinstructions

View on RECAP

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

RECAP
35

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. THIRD day of JURY TRIAL held on 2/7/2008. Closing arguments presented. Exhibits certified. Case presented to the jury and deliberations begin. Jury note 1 received and answered. Verdict returned in favor of the Pltf. Trial ends. Appearances: Kathy Boutchee/Timothy Bowne for Pltf. and William Harmeyer for Defts.(Court Reporter: K. Metzger), filed.(leddins, ) (Entered: 02/07/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
36

Proposed Definitions on Jury Instructions Regarding Punitive Damages by Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed.(sbyrum, ) (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
38

Certification of Trial Exhibits by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed.(rvazquez, ) (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
39

Exhibit List by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed.(rvazquez, ) (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
40

Exhibit List by Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed.(rvazquez, ) (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
41

Jury Note No. 1, filed.(rvazquez, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 2/8/2008 (rvazquez, ). (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
42

Jury Note No. 2, filed.(rvazquez, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 2/8/2008 (rvazquez, ). (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
43

JURY VERDICT, filed.(rvazquez, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 2/8/2008 (rvazquez, ). (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
44

Certification of Withdrawal of Trial Exhibits by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed.(rvazquez, ) (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
45

Certification of Withdrawal of Trial Exhibits by Bellair Cleaners Inc, filed.(rvazquez, ) (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 7, 2008

Feb. 7, 2008

PACER
37

ORDER entered that the Clerk is hereby ordered to provide the lunch meal for the jury. This order is directed to the Financial Section for reimbursement to the Clerk providing the meal. ( Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal ) Parties notified.(leddins, ) (Entered: 02/08/2008)

Feb. 8, 2008

Feb. 8, 2008

PACER
46

TRANSCRIPT of Excerpt of Trial, Testimony of Munira N. Ali held on 2/6/08 before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. Court Reporter: K. Metzger. Transcript is available for viewing in the office of the clerk, filed. (kmetzger, ) (Entered: 02/27/2008)

Feb. 27, 2008

Feb. 27, 2008

PACER
47

TRANSCRIPT of Excerpt of Trial, Testimony of Nizar R. Ali held on 2/6/08 before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. Court Reporter: K. Metzger. Transcript is available for viewing in the office of the clerk, filed. (kmetzger, ) (Entered: 02/27/2008)

Feb. 27, 2008

Feb. 27, 2008

PACER
48

MOTION for Entry of Judgment Judgment by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed. Motion Docket Date 3/18/2008. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Boutchee, Kathy) (Entered: 02/27/2008)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Feb. 27, 2008

Feb. 27, 2008

PACER
49

MOTION for Permanent Injunction by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed. Motion Docket Date 3/18/2008. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Boutchee, Kathy) (Entered: 02/27/2008)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Feb. 27, 2008

Feb. 27, 2008

PACER
50

ORDER granting Injunctive Relief 48, 49 .( Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal ) Parties notified.(chorace) (Entered: 02/29/2008)

Feb. 29, 2008

Feb. 29, 2008

PACER
51

JUDGMENT. Case terminated on February 29, 2008.( Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal ) Parties notified.(chorace) (Entered: 02/29/2008)

Feb. 29, 2008

Feb. 29, 2008

RECAP
52

BILL OF COSTS in total amount $530.00 by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed.(kosborne, ) (Entered: 03/05/2008)

March 5, 2008

March 5, 2008

PACER
53

Abstract of Judgment Issued, filed.(mmapps, ) (Entered: 04/22/2010)

April 22, 2010

April 22, 2010

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Texas

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 25, 2006

Closing Date: 2011

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, on behalf of one or more workers.

Plaintiff Type(s):

EEOC Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Anna Naaz Inc (Houston, Texas), Private Entity/Person

Heaven Star Enterprises I, LP (Houston, Texas), Private Entity/Person

Heaven Star Enterprises LLC (Houston, Texas), Private Entity/Person

Denville Business, Inc. (Houston, Texas), Private Entity/Person

Bellair Cleaners Inc. (Houston, Texas), Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Amount Defendant Pays: 55000

Order Duration: 2008 - 2011

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Monitoring

Issues

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Other Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc)

Discrimination-basis:

Sex discrimination

Affected Sex or Gender:

Female

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits