Plaintiff Alleges Former Employers Engaged in Sexual Harassment Quid Pro Quo

In a dramatic legal filing, a former employee has accused her previous employers of severe misconduct, including sexual harassment and retaliation. On February 19, 2026, Suzanne Leah filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Produce Alliance, LLC and Buyers Edge Platform OPCO, LLC. The lawsuit alleges that Leah was subjected to unlawful sexual harassment and discrimination during her tenure with the companies.

According to the complaint, Leah was employed by Produce Alliance starting in April 2021 as a Custom Distribution Account Manager. She claims she consistently received positive performance reviews and was considered for promotions until she reported being sexually harassed by her supervisor, David Rossi. The alleged harassment included inappropriate comments and gestures, unsolicited videos, and social media contact. Leah’s report to Human Resources in January 2024 led to an investigation that substantiated her claims. However, instead of receiving protection or support from her employers, Leah faced retaliation that culminated in her termination on March 19, 2024.

Leah’s lawsuit outlines multiple violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Illinois Human Rights Act. She asserts that after reporting Rossi’s behavior, she was met with hostility from management and had her job responsibilities reduced. Her complaint details how senior staff members Mitchell and Michel allegedly retaliated against her by disseminating confidential information about her harassment report to Rossi and other employees. Leah also describes being placed on a punitive evaluation period and receiving a pretextual negative performance review.

The legal action seeks damages for lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, and other compensatory damages resulting from the alleged misconduct. Leah is asking for punitive damages as well as attorney’s fees. Additionally, she requests injunctive relief to prevent further discriminatory practices within the defendant companies.

Representing Suzanne Leah are attorneys John P. Madden and Gemma N. Cruz from O’Malley & Madden, P.C., based in Chicago. The case is presided over by Judge [Name not provided] under Case ID No. 1:26-cv-1850.