Jury Awards $210K in U.S. Security Harassment Case
What Led to the Case
Yuredli Mena worked as an armed security guard for U.S. Alliance Service Corp., doing business as U.S. Security. She was stationed at Florida Memorial University in Miami-Dade County. Her supervisor, Courtney Francis, was also assigned to the same location. During the summer of 2022, Mena alleged that Francis began making unwanted sexual advances. After she rejected him, his behavior became hostile. Mena raised complaints to U.S. Security’s Director of Security, Robert Richardson. However, she claimed the company failed to take meaningful action to address her concerns.
Why the Lawsuit Was Filed
According to Mena, the situation escalated over several months. Francis allegedly harassed her publicly, made threatening comments, and ultimately assaulted her. On one occasion, he shouted false statements about her health in front of colleagues. On another, he reportedly pulled a weapon and later struck her with a golf cart before slapping her. Mena reported each incident to Richardson, but claimed that neither he nor the company responded appropriately. When she obtained a temporary restraining order, U.S. Security suspended her without pay instead of addressing Francis’s conduct. She was later offered re-employment under terms she could not accept. Mena believed she was constructively terminated.
What She Experienced
Mena stated that she suffered bodily injury, pain, and emotional distress as a result of the harassment and assault. She also reported psychological trauma stemming from the company’s inaction and Francis’s ongoing behavior. She described experiencing fear, anxiety, and humiliation at work. The events disrupted her personal and professional life, leading to lost income and medical distress.
What the Plaintiff Seeks
Mena asked for compensatory damages for physical and emotional suffering. She also sought lost wages and benefits. Under Florida’s whistleblower law, she requested injunctive relief, reinstatement, and attorney’s fees. Additionally, she asked for the court to issue any other just relief deemed appropriate. Her claims reflect both financial and emotional harm.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Yuredli Mena
Counsel for Plaintiff: Jerome A. Pivnik
Defendants: U.S. Alliance Service Corp d/b/a U.S. Security | Courtney Francis
Counsel for Defendants: Edward R. Nicklaus | Matthew P. Sedaghat | Michael W. Skop
Claims:
Mena’s complaint listed six counts:
Count 1: Civil Assault against Courtney Francis
Count 2: Civil Battery against Courtney Francis
Count 3: Respondeat Superior liability against U.S. Security for Francis’s actions
Count 4: Negligent Retention and Supervision by U.S. Security
Count 5: Violation of Florida Whistleblower Act (§448.102) by U.S. Security
Count 6: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress against U.S. Security
Each claim centered on U.S. Security’s alleged failure to protect Mena and Francis’s repeated acts of misconduct.
Defense
In response to the complaint, U.S. Alliance Service Corp d/b/a U.S. Security denied the majority of the factual and legal allegations, while admitting jurisdiction and venue only in part. The company asserted that it acted lawfully and raised numerous affirmative defenses. It claimed the Plaintiff, Yuredli Mena, failed to state a valid legal claim and did not mitigate her damages. U.S. Security further argued that Mena voluntarily ended her employment and that any employment actions taken were for legitimate, non-retaliatory reasons.
The company also claimed that Mena’s own conduct contributed to her distress and alleged injuries, citing comparative negligence, insubordination, and violations of workplace expectations. It argued that any damages were either caused by third parties or resulted from Mena’s own actions, including aggressive or inappropriate behavior. Additional defenses included Florida’s impact rule, lack of a direct employment relationship, and potential claims of self-defense. U.S. Security reserved the right to supplement its defenses as more facts emerge during litigation.
Jury Verdict
On June 10, 2025, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff, Yuredli Mena, finding U.S. Alliance Service Corp d/b/a U.S. Security liable for the claims brought in the case. The jury concluded that the company’s actions, including its failure to address harassment and subsequent retaliation, caused Mena harm. As a result, the jury awarded her $210,000 in damages for her physical, emotional, and financial losses.