A former employee has taken legal action against a prominent mortgage company, alleging violations of multiple employment laws. Samuel Fontenelle filed a complaint on November 7, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC. The lawsuit claims that the company failed to accommodate his disability and wrongfully terminated him, violating several federal and state laws.
Fontenelle’s case highlights his struggles with bipolar disorder and how it impacted his employment at CrossCountry Mortgage. He began working for the company in May 2020 as an intern and quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication and hard work. However, after experiencing a decline in his mental health, exacerbated by personal family issues, Fontenelle alleges that CrossCountry failed to inform him of his rights under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or provide necessary accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to Fontenelle, despite notifying his employer about his condition and need for medical leave, he was not given proper guidance or support.
The complaint details how Fontenelle’s mental health deteriorated throughout 2023, leading to hospitalization in November. Upon attempting to return to work in December 2023, he was informed about unemployment rather than FMLA rights. Eventually, he was terminated on January 2, 2024. Fontenelle argues that this termination was retaliatory and discriminatory based on his disability and need for medical leave.
Fontenelle is seeking various forms of relief from the court including back pay, front pay, compensation for emotional distress, punitive damages where applicable, unpaid wages, penalty fees, attorneys’ fees and costs. He also requests pre- and post-judgment interest along with any other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Fontenelle are attorneys from Sternberg Naccari & White LLC: M. Suzanne Montero, Chelsea B. Cusimano, and Haley A. Jupiter. The case is presided over by unnamed judges under Case ID 2:25-cv-02287.
Source: 225cv02287_Samuel_Fontenelle_v_Crosscountry_Mortgage_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
