Case: EEOC v. H.O.M.E., INC. & L.I.F.E., INC.

4:98-cv-01035 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri

Filed Date: Sept. 24, 1998

Closed Date: May 31, 2000

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

In September 1998, the EEOC district office of Kansas City, Missouri brought this suit against HOME, Inc., LIFE, Inc., and several individuals in the U.S. District Court for the District of Western Missouri. Although the complaint is unavailable, the docket indicates that there was at least one allegation of sexual harassment resulting in a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After the EEOC obtained default judgments against both corporate defendants, the plaintiff interve…

In September 1998, the EEOC district office of Kansas City, Missouri brought this suit against HOME, Inc., LIFE, Inc., and several individuals in the U.S. District Court for the District of Western Missouri. Although the complaint is unavailable, the docket indicates that there was at least one allegation of sexual harassment resulting in a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After the EEOC obtained default judgments against both corporate defendants, the plaintiff intervenor moved to dismiss the case. All parties stipulated for dismissal of the remaining individual defendants.

Although the order is not available, the docket indicates the terms of the dismissal order. The docket states that the individual male intervenor received $15,870 in back pay; $6,096.96 for travel expenses; $2,135 for legal fees; $5,000 for emotional distress; and $10,000 in punitive damages. Further, another female received $42,619.88 in back pay; $5,000 in compensatory damages; and $10,000 in punitive damages. According to the docket, the order also stated that the defendants must (1) not engage in discriminatory conduct; (2) post a "poster required to be displayed" in the workplace by the EEOC; (3) and for 3 years the defendant must notify the EEOC within 15 days of receiving a claim of discrimination.

Summary Authors

Joel Pettit (5/31/2007)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

4:98-cv-01035

Docket (PACER)

EEOC v. HOME Inc.

May 31, 2000

May 31, 2000

Docket

Resources

Docket

Last updated Jan. 5, 2024, 3:10 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT ( 0 Summons(es) issued) w/JS44 Fee waived (Shannon Brogan) (Entered: 09/25/1998)

Sept. 24, 1998

Sept. 24, 1998

2

Notice of Inclusion in the Early Assessment Program (Shannon Brogan) (Entered: 09/25/1998)

Sept. 24, 1998

Sept. 24, 1998

3

Notice of pretrial procedures (Court Employee) (Entered: 09/28/1998)

Sept. 28, 1998

Sept. 28, 1998

4

AMENDED COMPLAINT; adding Karen C Martin, Willa A Slyster (Sealed Case User) (Entered: 10/22/1998)

Oct. 21, 1998

Oct. 21, 1998

5

MOTION to intervene Benson Owere (Court Employee) (Entered: 11/19/1998)

Nov. 18, 1998

Nov. 18, 1998

6

ORDER by Judge Gary A. Fenner granting movant's motion to intervene Benson Owere [5-1] (cc: all counsel) (Court Employee) (Entered: 12/10/1998)

Dec. 10, 1998

Dec. 10, 1998

8

RETURN OF SERVICE executed upon defendant LIFE Inc on 12/11/98 Costs $ 40.00 (Court Employee) (Entered: 12/15/1998)

Dec. 15, 1998

Dec. 15, 1998

9

RETURN OF SERVICE executed upon defendant HOME Inc on 12/11/98 Costs $ 40.00 (Court Employee) (Entered: 12/15/1998)

Dec. 15, 1998

Dec. 15, 1998

10

RETURN OF SERVICE executed upon defendant Willa A Slyster on 12/16/98 Costs $ 40.00 (Court Employee) (Entered: 12/18/1998)

Dec. 17, 1998

Dec. 17, 1998

11

ANSWER by defendant Karen C Martin (Georgia Kee) (Entered: 01/04/1999)

Dec. 31, 1998

Dec. 31, 1998

12

ORDER by Judge Gary A. Fenner ; proposed scheduling order due by 2/26/99 ;rule 26(f) meeting on or before 2/16/99 (cc: all counsel) (Court Employee) (Entered: 01/05/1999)

Jan. 5, 1999

Jan. 5, 1999

13

ANSWER by defendant Willa A Slyster to pltf's First Amended Complaint (Court Employee) (Entered: 01/06/1999)

Jan. 5, 1999

Jan. 5, 1999

14

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC for default judgment against HOME Inc, LIFE Inc (Bonnie Rowland) (Entered: 02/08/1999)

Feb. 5, 1999

Feb. 5, 1999

15

Suggestions by plaintiff EEOC in support of motion for default judgment against HOME Inc, LIFE Inc [14-1] (Bonnie Rowland) (Entered: 02/08/1999)

Feb. 5, 1999

Feb. 5, 1999

16

Request by plaintiff EEOC for entry of default against defendants H.O.M.E.S., Inc. and L.I.F.E., Inc. (Bonnie Rowland) (Entered: 02/08/1999)

Feb. 5, 1999

Feb. 5, 1999

17

Joint Proposed scheduling order by plaintiff, defendant (Court Employee) (Entered: 02/22/1999)

Feb. 19, 1999

Feb. 19, 1999

20

ORDER granting request that default is entered against dfts H.O.M.E.S., Inc and L.I.F.E., Inc, d/b/a H.O.M.E., in favor of plf [16-1] terminating case, (cc: all counsel) (Georgia Kee) (Entered: 03/04/1999)

Feb. 23, 1999

Feb. 23, 1999

18

SCHEDULING & TRIAL ORDER: by Judge Gary A. Fenner ; discovery ddl set 10/1/99 ;final pretrial conference set for 1:30pm on 3/3/2000 ;accelerated jury trial set 9:00am on 4/3/2000 (cc: all counsel) (Georgia Kee) (Entered: 02/25/1999)

Feb. 24, 1999

Feb. 24, 1999

19

RULES of trial by Judge Gary A. Fenner (Georgia Kee) (Entered: 02/25/1999)

Feb. 24, 1999

Feb. 24, 1999

21

ORDER by Judge Gary A. Fenner , ; Default hearing set for 1:30 5/11/99 sent certified mail Z 430 650 839 and regular mail to Registered Agent Robert W. Brown (cc: all counsel) (Court Employee) Modified on 03/22/1999 (Entered: 03/22/1999)

March 22, 1999

March 22, 1999

RETURN of certified receipt card bearing number Z 430 650 839 addressed to HOME Inc, LIFE Inc showing receipt of order [21-3] on 3/24/99 (Court Employee) (Entered: 03/25/1999)

March 25, 1999

March 25, 1999

22

MOTION by defendant Karen C Martin for summary judgment (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/13/1999)

May 11, 1999

May 11, 1999

23

Suggestions by defendant Karen C Martin in support of motion for summary judgment [22-1] (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/13/1999)

May 11, 1999

May 11, 1999

24

EXHIBIT INDEX OF plaintiff EEOC (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/13/1999)

May 11, 1999

May 11, 1999

25

EXHIBIT INDEX OF intervenor-plaintiff Benson Owere (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/13/1999)

May 11, 1999

May 11, 1999

26

MINUTE ENTRY Judge Gary A. Fenner presiding regarding Pla's Mtn for Default Jgm against Corporate Dfts. Court finds that the Dft Corporations have failed to enter an appearance and file an answer. The Court orders default jgm on behalf of Michelle Smith and Intervenor Benson Owere. Counsel to prepare written jgm. Court Reporter: Libby Shinn (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/13/1999)

May 11, 1999

May 11, 1999

27

ORDERED and ADJUDGED that the pla USA recover of the dft the sum of $57,619.88 with costs to date of 0 for a total $57,619.88 together with 0 % interest from the date of this judgment, and for all future costs (cc: all counsel) (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/19/1999)

May 17, 1999

May 17, 1999

REMARK: Copy of Default Judgment mailed to Robert W. Brown, Registered Agent of H.O.M.E.S., Inc., and L.I.F.E., Inc. (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/19/1999)

May 19, 1999

May 19, 1999

28

Suggestions by plaintiff EEOC in opposition to dft Karen Martin's motion for summary judgment [22-1] (Georgia Kee) (Entered: 05/25/1999)

May 24, 1999

May 24, 1999

29

MOTION by intervenor-plaintiff Benson Owere to dismiss case (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/27/1999)

May 27, 1999

May 27, 1999

29

Suggestions by intervenor-plaintiff Benson Owere in opposition to motion for costs contained in her motion for summary judgment [22-1] (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/27/1999)

May 27, 1999

May 27, 1999

30

Stipulation of plaintiff, defendant, intervenor-plaintiff for dismissal of individual defendants Martin and Sleyster (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 08/03/1999)

Aug. 3, 1999

Aug. 3, 1999

31

ORDER by Judge Gary A. Fenner granting stipulation [30-1] to dismiss party Willa A Slyster, party Karen C Martin w/out prejudice at pla's costs (cc: all counsel) (Court Employee) (Entered: 08/05/1999)

Aug. 4, 1999

Aug. 4, 1999

32

First ORDER of default by Judge Gary A. Fenner granting motion for default judgment against HOME Inc, LIFE Inc [14-1] of intervenor Benson Owere. Ordered that Dfts are jointly and severally liable to intervenor Owere for back wages in the amount of $15,870, less any amounts required as withholdings from employee wages; Dfts are liable to intervenor for additional monetary sums lost be intervenor as a result of their unlawful and retaliatory discharge of him in the amount of $2,376.96 for travel costs and expenses to Mexico in relation to retaining his visa and work status privileges in the US, $3,720 for travel costs and expenses to Canada; and $800 in additional fees to his immigration attorney for legal work; $1,335 for attorneys fees; $5,000 for emotional and mental anguish; $10,000 in punitive damages. terminating case, (cc: all counsel) (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 08/26/1999)

Aug. 24, 1999

Aug. 24, 1999

33

CLERK'S JUDGMENT ordering that Dfts are jointly and severally liable to intervenor Benson Owere for back wages in the amount of $15,870; $2,376.96 for travel costs and expenses to Mexico; $3,720 for travel costs and expenses to Canada; $800 in additional fees to his immigration attorney for legal work; $1,335 for attorneys fees; $5,000 for emotional and mental anguish; $10,000 in punitive damages; FURTHER ORDERED that Dfts are jointly liable to Michelle Smith for $42,619.88 in back wages; $5,000 compensatory damages; $10,000 in punitive damages; FURTHER ORDERED that Dfts are prohibited from further engaging in discriminatory conduct; Dfts shall post and cause to remain posted the postered required to be displayed in the work place by EEOC; that for a period of 3 years commencing on the date of this order, Dfts shall w/in 15 days of receiving a complaint of sexual harassment provide a written notification to the EEOC's Regional Attorney. , Entered on: 08/26/99 (cc:All Counsel) (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 08/26/1999)

Aug. 24, 1999

Aug. 24, 1999

34

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC for writ of garnishment (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 09/08/1999)

Sept. 7, 1999

Sept. 7, 1999

35

Writ of Garnishment by plaintiff to Banister Bank and Trust & H.O.M.E.S, Inc. (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 01/28/2000)

Jan. 25, 2000

Jan. 25, 2000

36

Writ of garnishment from plaintiff against Life, Inc., dba Home (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 01/28/2000)

Jan. 25, 2000

Jan. 25, 2000

37

CERTIFICATE of service (USM285) of writ of garnishment on L.I.F.E 2/7/00 (Court Employee) (Entered: 02/14/2000)

Feb. 11, 2000

Feb. 11, 2000

38

CERTIFICATE of service (USM285) of writ of garnishment on H.O.M.E. 2/7/00 (Court Employee) (Entered: 02/14/2000)

Feb. 11, 2000

Feb. 11, 2000

39

CERTIFICATE of service (USM285) of writ of garnishment on Bannister Bank and Trust 2/7/00 (Court Employee) (Entered: 02/14/2000)

Feb. 11, 2000

Feb. 11, 2000

40

CERTIFICATE of service (USM285) of writ of garnishment on Bannister Bank & Trust (Court Employee) (Entered: 02/14/2000)

Feb. 11, 2000

Feb. 11, 2000

41

CERTIFICATE of service of writ of garnishment on Will Pierce 2/4/00 (Court Employee) (Entered: 02/14/2000)

Feb. 11, 2000

Feb. 11, 2000

42

Notice of filing answer of the garnishee (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 02/16/2000)

Feb. 15, 2000

Feb. 15, 2000

43

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC for order of garnishment (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/30/2000)

May 25, 2000

May 25, 2000

44

MOTION by plaintiff EEOC for order garnishment for $60.49 (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/30/2000)

May 25, 2000

May 25, 2000

45

AFFIDAVIT of Melvin D. Kennedy regarding motion for order of garnishment [43-1] (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/30/2000)

May 25, 2000

May 25, 2000

46

AFFIDAVIT of Melvin D. Kennedy regarding motion for order garnishment for $60.49 [44-1] (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 05/30/2000)

May 25, 2000

May 25, 2000

47

GARNISHEE ORDER by Judge Gary A. Fenner granting motion for order garnishment for $60.49 [44-1] to be paid within 10 days of the date of this Order (cc: all counsel) (Michelle Kendall) Modified on 06/05/2000 (Entered: 06/05/2000)

May 31, 2000

May 31, 2000

48

GARNISHEE ORDER by Judge Gary A. Fenner granting motion for order for garnishee to pay the sum of $2,714.24 of garnishment [43-1] (cc: all counsel) (Michelle Kendall) (Entered: 06/07/2000)

May 31, 2000

May 31, 2000

Case Details

State / Territory: Missouri

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 24, 1998

Closing Date: May 31, 2000

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

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

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

EEOC Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Willa A. Slyster, Private Entity/Person

Karen C. Martin, Private Entity/Person

L.I.F.E., Inc., Private Entity/Person

H.O.M.E., Inc., Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Amount Defendant Pays: 96721.88

Order Duration: 1999 - 2002

Content of Injunction:

Discrimination Prohibition

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Reporting

Issues

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Discrimination-basis:

Sex discrimination

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Private Party intervened in EEOC suit