SEATTLE — Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit against the owner of several “bikini barista” coffee stands in King and Snohomish counties, alleging years of sexual harassment, retaliation and wage theft.
The complaint, filed in King County Superior Court, accuses Jonathan Tagle and his company, Tagle Investments LLC, of violating multiple state labor and civil rights laws at Paradise Espresso stands in Tukwila, Monroe, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.
According to the lawsuit, Tagle is the sole manager responsible for day-to-day operations, including hiring, firing and paying employees. The Attorney General’s Office alleges that for at least 12 years, Tagle subjected female employees to unwelcome sexual conduct, including coercing sexual acts as a condition of employment, groping and requiring employees to visit his home to perform sexual favors. Investigators also allege Tagle retaliated against workers who refused his advances.
The lawsuit further claims Tagle failed to pay employees minimum wage for all hours worked, withheld tips, did not maintain a regular pay schedule, and failed to provide or inform workers of paid sick leave benefits.
“Our team investigation found that the employer broke the law in multiple ways and created a workplace that left his employees stressed and traumatized,” Brown said in a statement.
The state said that they are seeking a court order barring Tagle from further violations, requiring back pay, tips and sick leave for employees, awarding damages and covering the costs of the lawsuit.
The Attorney General’s Office said it wants to hear from anyone who worked at Paradise Espresso since 2012. Former employees can contact the office’s Civil Rights Division by emailing ParadiseEspressoLawsuit@atg.wa.gov or calling 1-833-660-4877, selecting Option 9.
