Plaintiff alleges Sacramento Area Sewer District’s negligence led to wrongful termination

In a striking legal battle that underscores the complexities of workplace dynamics and the protections employees are entitled to under California law, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her employer, alleging a series of severe misconducts. Candice Mabra initiated this legal action on February 9, 2026, in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, targeting her former employer, the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD), and its Director of Internal Services, Matthew Doyle.

The complaint outlines multiple grievances against SASD and Doyle, including whistleblower retaliation under Labor Code § 1102.5, sexual harassment as per Government Code § 12940(j), sex/gender discrimination according to Government Code § 12940(a), and retaliation for protected activity under Government Code § 12940(h). Mabra alleges that during her tenure at SASD as a senior Human Resources leader, she was subjected to an environment rife with inappropriate conduct by Doyle. The lawsuit details incidents where Doyle allegedly made degrading sexual remarks about Mabra in front of colleagues and external labor representatives. For instance, he is accused of joking about “selling” Mabra for sexual favors to reduce legal fees. Furthermore, Doyle’s behavior reportedly included making sexually explicit comments and engaging in physically intimidating acts such as simulating medical procedures inappropriately within the workplace.

Mabra contends that after reporting these behaviors to SASD’s General Manager Christoph Dobson on January 6, 2025, she faced immediate retaliation. Her responsibilities were diminished; she was excluded from critical meetings and communications necessary for her role. This exclusion escalated into administrative leave on June 3, 2025, purportedly pending an investigation into her performance—a move Mabra argues was pretextual and retaliatory rather than based on legitimate concerns about her job performance.

The lawsuit seeks several forms of relief from the court. Mabra demands general damages for emotional distress and damage to her professional reputation; special damages for lost wages and employment benefits; back pay or reinstatement; punitive damages against Doyle for his alleged malicious conduct; attorney’s fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

Representing Mabra are attorneys Derek K. Ulmer and Brandon R. Largent from Goyette, Ruano & Thompson Inc., while no specific defense attorneys are named in the document provided. The case awaits assignment with Case ID TBD in the Superior Court of California.