Herrera: $650K Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Settlement

Case No.:
37-2023-00045213-CU-OE-CTL

Judge:
Hon. James A. Mangione

Hogue + Belong obtained a $650,000 settlement for a field employee of a Fortune 100 defense contractor. The employee, identified here as “Ms. Herrera” to protect her privacy, alleged that her supervisor sexually harassed workers and that the company retaliated against her after she reported his conduct. The settlement resolved disputed claims after nearly two years of litigation.

What sexual harassment did Ms. Herrera report?

Ms. Herrera alleged that her supervisor, identified here as “Mr. Vasquez,” sent sexually explicit text messages to workers under his direction. She also alleged that he repeatedly made degrading comments about employees’ bodies and sexual orientation.

According to the case account, another employee had reported similar conduct by the same supervisor years earlier. The company responded at that time with verbal coaching.

What happened after Ms. Herrera complained?

The company’s own records described the supervisor’s conduct as “egregiously vulgar” and “offensive.” Human Resources closed its investigation and told Ms. Herrera that unspecified “appropriate measures” had been taken. The company did not fire, suspend, or move the supervisor.

Instead, HR offered to relocate Ms. Herrera nearly 2,500 miles across the country. According to the case account, the proposed move was tied to a suggestion that she “forget about” what had happened. After reporting the conduct, she was also warned that she was “going to pay for this.” The alleged harassment and retaliation took a physical and emotional toll, and she ultimately went on medical leave.

How did Hogue + Belong build the case?

Hogue + Belong filed suit in October 2023 under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. During discovery, the firm obtained internal complaint files, disciplinary records, and investigation documents. The attorneys also deposed the HR investigator and company managers.

According to the firm’s case account, those depositions revealed gaps in the employer’s investigation. The HR investigator could not recall what key witnesses had said, while the supervisor remained in a position of authority over employees who had complained about him.

The company removed the lawsuit to federal court. Hogue + Belong challenged that move, and a federal court returned the case to San Diego County Superior Court.

How was the Herrera case resolved?

The parties reached a $650,000 settlement in June 2025. This was an individual settlement of disputed claims, not a jury verdict or a class action recovery.

What if you face harassment or retaliation at work?

Learn about Hogue + Belong’s workplace sexual harassment practice and read its guide to your rights after harassment at work. If you have experienced harassment or retaliation, contact the firm for a free and confidential consultation.

Related results: Read about Cummins v. National City Police Department and Jane Doe v. UPS.

Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved. This settlement resolved disputed claims. Results in any case depend on its unique facts and do not guarantee a similar outcome.