SEATTLE, WA — Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit against the owner of four “bikini barista” coffee stands in King and Snohomish counties, alleging years of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wage theft.
According to the complaint, Jonathan Tagle, owner of Paradise Espresso through Tagle Investments LLC, subjected female employees to a hostile work environment for more than a decade. Investigators say Tagle required sexual acts in exchange for employment and job security, groped and touched workers without consent, and retaliated against those who refused his advances.
The lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, also claims Tagle failed to pay minimum wage, withheld tips, ignored paid sick leave requirements, and failed to provide a consistent pay schedule.
“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. “Protecting worker rights is one of my top priorities as Attorney General. That includes making sure no one trying to earn a living is treated in such a demeaning and exploitative way as the women were in this case”.
The Attorney General’s Office argues Tagle’s actions violated the Washington Law Against Discrimination, the state’s Minimum Wage Act, and the Wage Rebate Act. The state is asking the court to order Tagle to pay back wages and tips, provide accrued sick leave, compensate victims, and prohibit further harassment or retaliation.
The Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division is also seeking information from former Paradise Espresso employees dating back to 2012. Workers can contact the office at ParadiseEspressoLawsuit@atg.wa.gov or call 1-833-660-4877, Option 9.
