In a harrowing case that underscores the persistent issue of workplace harassment, a former employee has taken legal action against her previous employer, citing severe sexual harassment and retaliation. On November 10, 2025, Mary N. Fitzgerald filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Select Water Solutions, LLC.
The lawsuit alleges that Fitzgerald was subjected to continuous sexual harassment by her supervisor, Edwin Rivera, during her tenure as a Pipeline Operator at Select Water Solutions. The complaint details how Rivera made inappropriate comments and advances towards Fitzgerald and other female employees since 2021. Despite repeated objections from Fitzgerald, Rivera’s behavior escalated to physical assault on August 28, 2023. The document states that Rivera’s actions were often witnessed by Colter Moore, another supervisor who failed to intervene and even encouraged Rivera’s conduct. This lack of action from management is central to Fitzgerald’s claim that Select Water Solutions fostered a hostile work environment in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Fitzgerald’s ordeal continued after she reported the assault to Human Resources (HR). Initially ignored by HR personnel Sher Patterson, it took intervention from safety personnel Amanda Payne for any action to be taken. Despite providing evidence of the assault through a recording on September 12, 2023, which led to Rivera’s termination, Fitzgerald faced further retaliation from Moore. The complaint describes how Moore threatened her job security following Rivera’s dismissal and referenced past harassment statements made by Rivera.
As a result of these events and the company’s failure to address them adequately, Fitzgerald suffered significant emotional distress leading to a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her condition forced her into medical leave and ultimately resulted in her resignation on April 1, 2024. In addition to claims of sexual harassment and hostile work environment under Title VII, Fitzgerald accuses Select Water Solutions of retaliatory practices following her complaints about Rivera’s behavior.
Fitzgerald seeks various forms of relief from the court including compensatory damages for emotional distress and lost wages due to constructive discharge. She also requests punitive damages against Select Water Solutions for their willful negligence in handling the situation and reasonable attorney fees.
Representing Mary N. Fitzgerald are attorneys James E. Sudduth III and Kourtney L. Kech from Sudduth & Associates LLC based in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The case is presided over under Case ID: 5:25-cv-01739.
Source: 525cv1739_Mary_Fitzgerald_v_Select_Watern_Complaint_Western_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
