The City of Fresno has agreed to pay $1.7 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by former sergeant of the Fresno Police Department (FPD) Stacie Szatmari, making this a significant victory in a case involving sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and retaliation. The settlement includes allegations that Szatmari experienced repeated and escalating misconduct after attempting to put a stop to inappropriate conduct being exhibited by others within her unit, ultimately causing her to get terminated from the workforce.
Szatmari dedicated almost two decades of her career to the FPD, and was promoted in September 2020 to sergeant of the K-9 and mounted patrol unit. This was a role she specifically described as her “dream job.” Soon after Szatmari was given her promotion, she alleged that she received explicit, racist, and homophobic messages that were circulated in work-related group text threads. According to the lawsuit, these messages consisted of graphic imagery, offensive stereotypes, and crude jokes that were being openly shared among the officers within the unit.
Szatmari was reportedly told that the unit operated under “Vegas rules,” meaning that improper behavior was expected to remain hidden and unchallenged. When she tried to put a stop to their dialogue, the harassment worsened. The lawsuit further claimed that leadership dismissed her concerns with comments suggesting that the type of behavior being demonstrated was acceptable.
The long-term exposure to such interactions triggered a serious toll on Szatmari’s mental and emotional well-being. She suffered panic attacks and anxiety due to the hostile work environment she had to face. Despite her attempts at bringing the issue to light and protecting herself from experiencing ongoing misconduct, she was fired from her position in 2022.
Represented by employment attorney Nick Yasman of West Coast Employment Lawyers, Szatmari sought out legal action against the City of Fresno. Yasman specializes in employment matters brought under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), including claims for hostile work environment, wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. He has extensive experience litigating complicated representative claims that are brought under the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA) and all wage and hour claims.
Ultimately, Yasman described this case as being “amicably resolved.” The City Council approved the resolution during a closed session, bringing an end to a case that exposed leadership failures within the department.
The $1.7 million settlement shows awareness of the harm caused and the inability to protect an employee who spoke up. The results exhibit the seriousness of the allegations and the overall impact of workplace harassment and retaliation.
For Szatmari and her family, this settlement brings them a sense of closure and validation after years of enduring distress and professional loss. It proves that voicing your concerns against inappropriate conduct should never lead to discipline, and that those who are faced with discrimination and retaliation deserve to be seen and supported.
The outcome of this case reflects the value West Coast Employment Lawyers works to uphold every day, and that is to protect individuals, pursue accountability, and ensure fairness is maintained in the workplace. For clients and their families, holding wrongdoers responsible involves more than just financial recovery. It is about being heard and creating change. This settlement sends a message that speaking out does matter, and our law firm remains determined to help people seek the justice they deserve.
