Non-profit CEO sexually harassed employee during Las Vegas trip, court papers say

HOUSTON - Alleging she was prompted to resign from St. Hope Foundation Inc. after an alleged incident during the organization's annual trip last year, Houston resident Mary Ann Contreras pursues legal action. 

Contreras filed suit Dec. 18 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas alleging that the defendant's employees and Contreras were enjoying a night out during a company trip to Las Vegas when Chief Executive Officer Rodney Goodie allegedly made inappropriate advances toward her.

Contreras was employed as a client coordinator at St. Hope at the time of the events in question.

She claims she considered resignation at the time of the trip when the company notified her that it would meet with her to provide a more attractive employment package afterwards.

Contreras alleges it was during a visit to The Palms nightclub that Goodie, who is married, "had several alcoholic beverages" and attempted to hit on her.

According to the original petition, Goodie picked Contreras up and tried to take her to the dance floor despite her protests.

The plaintiff, who was not drinking that evening, eventually freed herself, but claims she was greeted with laughter from many of her colleagues to which she was "highly offended," according to the suit.

Goodie, who is not a defendant in the case, had frequently before the trip told Contreras, "One day, I am going to get you drunk!" She insists she did not solicit nor incite the event for which she sues.

St. Hope accepted Contreras's resignation after the trip.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Katrina Patrick of the Law Offices of Katrina Patrick in Houston is representing the claimant.

Case No. 4:13-CV-3695