Allegations of persistent sexual harassment and retaliation at a parking services company have led to a federal lawsuit seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The complaint was filed by Madison Langley in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on March 25, 2026, naming Empire Parking Services, Inc. as the defendant.
According to court documents, Madison Langley began working as a Booting Technician for Empire Parking Services on or about December 1, 2024. Langley claims that during her employment she was subjected to repeated verbal and sexual harassment by an upper-level manager identified as Thomas Rhutz. The complaint states that Langley was one of only four female employees among approximately eighty staff members at the company.
The filing outlines several instances where Mr. Rhutz allegedly made inappropriate comments directed at Langley based on her gender. Examples cited include remarks such as “your ass has been looking fat lately,” “you look like a porn star,” “you look like a sexy stripper,” and “you look like a happy ending.” The complaint further alleges that Mr. Rhutz requested Langley meet him alone at night at the company’s storage unit and continued making such comments even after being asked to stop.
Langley reports that she verbally objected to these remarks and subsequently reported the conduct to Human Resources both verbally and via email in late September or early October 2025. She also submitted formal complaints to company ownership regarding what she described as severe and pervasive harassment. In one written correspondence attached as an exhibit, Langley wrote: “This is my first and last time telling you — put some respect on my business and my name that I built from scratch… if I gotta keep it professional out there, you gotta keep it professional inside the work environment.”
Despite these complaints, Langley asserts that no investigation was conducted by Empire Parking Services into her allegations. During an October 10, 2025 meeting with upper management—including CEO Chip Schmeelk—management acknowledged the issue but did not take action to ensure her safety or separate her from Mr. Rhutz. According to the complaint, Schmeelk characterized Mr. Rhutz’s conduct as “just a joke” and “light-hearted conversation,” citing his lengthy tenure with the company as grounds for declining disciplinary measures.
The lawsuit alleges that following her complaints, Mr. Rhutz confronted Langley in an angry manner stating: “since you told on me, I will have you moved to the Amsterdam Walk lot,” which is described in the filing as a lower income location. Langley perceived this statement as retaliatory and threatening.
Langley contends that she experienced disparate treatment compared to male colleagues and that no other employees were subjected to similar conduct or threats after reporting misconduct. She states that due to what she describes as an intolerable work environment—and believing no corrective action would be taken—she resigned on or about October 17, 2025.
The legal filing brings multiple counts against Empire Parking Services including discrimination based on gender/sex in violation of Title VII; sexual harassment; creation of a hostile work environment; retaliation; and constructive discharge. It alleges violations resulted in lost wages, emotional distress, humiliation, mental anguish, reputational harm, loss of enjoyment of life, among other damages.
Langley seeks reinstatement or reemployment if feasible; back pay; lost wages; front pay if reinstatement is not possible; compensatory damages; punitive damages; attorney fees; litigation expenses; costs; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Supporting documentation includes an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charge filed November 18, 2025 (Charge No.: 410-2026-03641), which details similar allegations against Empire Parking Services and references management’s response characterizing the behavior as “just a joke.” A Notice of Right to Sue was issued by EEOC Investigator Lucy Campa on January 7, 2026.
Attorneys representing Madison Langley are Charles R. Bridgers of Caldwell Bridgers & Benjamin LLC (Atlanta) and Alison Breiter of Farah & Farah P.A., with Breiter submitting for pro hac vice admission in Georgia federal court. The case is docketed under Case No.: 1:26-cv-01616-JPB-RGV.
Source: 126cv01616_Madison_Langley_v_Empire_Parking_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
