A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major grocery chain, alleging a range of workplace violations including sexual harassment and wage theft. Scott Hoard, the plaintiff, submitted the complaint to the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County on November 12, 2025, naming SFM, LLC (doing business as Sprouts Farmers Market) and Fabiana James among the defendants.
Scott Hoard claims that during his employment at SFM from March 25, 2024, to February 15, 2025, he was subjected to repeated sexual harassment by his Store Director, Fabiana James. The complaint details instances where James allegedly made offensive and unwelcome sexual comments about Hoard’s personal life in front of other employees. Despite reporting these incidents to his direct supervisor, Tyler Jobe, no corrective action was taken by SFM. Hoard alleges that this harassment not only created a hostile work environment but also interfered with his professional relationships and work performance.
In addition to the allegations of sexual harassment under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Hoard accuses SFM of failing to pay him for all hours worked, including overtime. He asserts that he was wrongly classified as exempt from overtime pay under Labor Code § 515(a) and other applicable laws. Furthermore, Hoard claims that SFM did not reimburse him for necessary expenses incurred while performing his job duties. The complaint also highlights SFM’s failure to compensate him for wages owed upon termination of employment.
Hoard is seeking various forms of relief from the court. For the sexual harassment claims, he requests compensatory damages as well as punitive damages due to what he describes as oppressive and malicious conduct by the defendants. He also seeks injunctive relief requiring SFM to implement training programs and policies aimed at preventing future harassment. Regarding wage-related claims, Hoard demands unpaid wages with interest, restitution for expenses incurred without reimbursement, penalties for waiting time violations under Labor Code § 203, and attorney fees.
The case is represented by Nicholas F. Scardigli from Mayall Hurley P.C., who filed the complaint on behalf of Scott Hoard. The case is presided over by judges in the Superior Court of California with Case ID: [2Scue Oe 1 aet].
Source: 25CV027194_Scott_Hoard_v_SFM_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
