Lawsuit says NYC workers forced to strip as boss hunted for ‘stolen’ money

A group of grocery store employees claim they were strip searched, threatened with deportation and fired after an irate manager falsely accused them of stealing cash from a customer.

“Show me the money! Where is the money?” According to the lawsuit, an angry boss at a Chestnut supermarket in South Williamsburg allegedly screamed during the April 5 test.

Three employees were abruptly dragged into the office one by one, locked up and “cursed, called names, attacked and beaten” by chief Joel Epstein, as they charged in a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court.

The steamy manager claimed he had video surveillance of every worker in the bathroom, where a customer apparently left a pile of cash she got from the store’s loansharking business.

Epstein first claimed it was $1,400 of lost cash, then said $1,500 was taken before the dollar amount was $1,700, according to legal documents.

When worker Francisca Orduna was brought into the office, Epstein allegedly yelled, “You fucking bitch, take your clothes off!”

Orduna refused to undress and began recording Epstein, who pushed her against a wall and ripped out her phone, she claims in a lawsuit against the market, Epstein and others.

In addition to Orduna, Emanuel Rodríguez Quintana and Luis Dominguez were also ordered to take off their clothes so bosses could check for missing money, according to court documents, which said that three other workers who witnessed the incident and refused to lie about it were later fired.

Luis Dominguez said he was fired after bosses asked if he would “support the store” and he told them, “I’m on the side of the truth.” Brian Zach / NY Post

Teodoro Santos said he confronted Joel Epstein at a Chestnut supermarket when they allegedly harassed a colleague. Brian Zach / NY Post

Advertising

Franziska Orduna refused to take off her clothes when Epstein demanded that she undress so they could find the client’s stolen money. Brian Zach / NY Post

Maria Orduna sues after alleging Epstein molested her at Chestnut supermarket. Brian Zach / NY Post

Advertising

Workers claiming unspecified damages have been “openly dehumanized,” their lawyers said in a statement.

“Can you imagine being treated like this at work?” lawyers Christina Mazzochi and Megan Goddard said.

The store manager declined to comment. Epstein could not be contacted.

Content Source

News Press Ohio – Latest News:
Columbus Local News || Cleveland Local News || Ohio State News || National News || Money and Economy News || Entertainment News || Tech News || Environment News

Related Articles

Back to top button