Ochoa vs Green Thumb Produce, Inc.

Case Background

On March 23, 2022, Sendy Ochoa and Patricia Balderrama filed a consolidated wrongful termination complaint against Green Thumb Produce, Inc. alleging harassment and retaliation. The case was heard in California Superior Court, Riverside County, and Honorable Carol A. Greene presided over the case. [Case number: CVRI2201171]

Cause

Plaintiff Sendy Ochoa was a resident of Riverside County and worked for the Defendants in the same area. Similarly, Plaintiff Patricia Balderrama also lived and was employed in Riverside County. Defendant Green Thumb Produce, Inc. ("Green Thumb") operated as a California corporation in Riverside County. Its main office was located at 2648 W. Ramsey Street, Banning, CA 92220, where both Plaintiffs were employed. During their employment, Defendants fostered an environment where female and non-white employees faced discrimination. These employees experienced constant dismissal, received lower pay than their white and male counterparts, and endured offensive, racist comments. Furthermore, Defendants treated the Plaintiffs with harassment due to their sex, gender, race, and disabilities. Defendant Michael Ingalls, the Vice President and Owner of Green Thumb, harassed the Plaintiffs for years. He made inappropriate phone calls and sent text messages after work hours, often while intoxicated. Ingalls consistently belittled the Plaintiffs compared to their male and white colleagues. He micromanaged their work, dismissed their contributions, and humiliated them based on their protected statuses. Ingall