WEXFORD, Pa. — A more than 50-page federal civil lawsuit has been filed against a Wexford life insurance company, Arias Agencies, and some of its leadership.
An agent is suing the company for alleged fraud, sexual assault, harassment and illegal drug use.
Channel 11 learned many more employees plan to sue, too.
In the lawsuit, a current employee claims it’s a “hostile, toxic and cult-like work environment.”
Her attorney said she was forced to participate in prayer sessions and even had to go to the gym at certain times with coworkers.
“There are a lot of restrictions about their personal life,” said attorney Amy Williamson. “For example, my client wasn’t allowed to get a haircut when she wanted to. They have to have a certain appearance. They have to engage in the same belief system that the management does.”
The lawsuit also states that a few male leaders would drug women employees without their knowledge with a date rape drug.
The court paperwork also says during work meetings, one manager would expose his private area. He would also send naked photos to workers and would insist on having one-on-one meetings in his car and ask for sexual favors in exchange for promotions, according to court documents.
“It’s shocking. I can’t figure out how they are still operating,” said Williamson.
The attorney said it’s been a traumatic experience for her client.
“It’s life-changing. It continues to be,” said Williamson. “She’s afraid for her safety daily.”
Her client also claims “unethical and fraudulent business practices,” including forging customers’ signatures and charging customers without their consent.
“It’s common practice for the agents to use old or deceased customers’ private information such as driver’s licenses, bank account numbers and social security numbers to write new policies so they can meet their sales quota or get their bonuses,” said Williamson.
The attorney said about a dozen more employees have come forward with similar accusations and more lawsuits will be filed.
Arias Agencies spokesperson Trina Orlando said, “We have no comment on pending litigation, however, we take these claims seriously and will vigorously defend against them.”
Channel 11 also reached out to its parent company, American Income Life Insurance, but we haven’t heard back.
The Northern Regional Police chief said at this time they are not aware of any criminal investigations against the company.
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