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Crime-scene clean-up boss allegedly forced underling to poop in bucket as part of sexual ‘fetish for fecal matter,’ suit says
A former employee of crime scene cleaning company Aftermath Services has sued his former supervisor, Michael Azoia, alleging sexual harassment and degrading treatment. The claims concern events during Rivera’s brief employment and have not been established in court; Azoia and the company dispute them.
The lawsuit says that, while cleaning a scene in Rome, New York, in March, Azoia told rookie worker Enrique Rivera to use a bucket in the company van because of an alleged company policy. Rivera claims Azoia watched and commented on the incident, and later subjected him to other crude conduct, including frequent flatulence near him. After Rivera submitted a written report, the company says it investigated promptly and took appropriate action; Rivera says Azoia was dismissed, while Azoia denies that his termination was related to the allegations.
In short
- A former Aftermath worker alleges his supervisor sexually harassed and humiliated him.
- The suit says the alleged conduct began during a job in Rome, New York.
- The supervisor and company dispute the allegations.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rivera’s account, if substantiated, describes a supervisor using his authority to impose a humiliating and sexually degrading act, followed by further unwelcome conduct. The company’s stated prompt investigation and action would be relevant, but would not remove the need to assess whether Rivera was adequately protected and whether the response was appropriate.
The case against
Azoia and the company are entitled to have disputed allegations assessed on evidence rather than treated as established fact. Azoia denies that his termination was related to the complaint, and the company says it investigated promptly and acted; a fair assessment should distinguish the alleged conduct from what can be proved and consider whether the company followed a reasonable process.
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