Security Staff Alleges Georgia-Based Safety Agency Violated Fair Labor Standards Act

A security staff member has filed a collective action lawsuit against a safety agency, alleging significant violations of labor laws. On February 6, 2026, Aubray Edwards lodged a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against Valor Protection Safety Agency, LLC and its owner Asante Kian Hill. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of failing to pay overtime wages as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The complaint details how Edwards and others similarly situated were misclassified as independent contractors rather than employees. This misclassification allegedly allowed Valor Protection Safety Agency to avoid paying overtime wages, reduce tax liabilities, and sidestep other employment obligations such as workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. According to Edwards, he worked for Valor from 2023 to 2025 and was consistently paid his regular hourly rate for all hours worked, including those exceeding forty hours per week. Despite being labeled an independent contractor, Edwards claims he was economically dependent on Valor and lacked control over his work conditions—hallmarks of an employee relationship under FLSA guidelines.

Edwards argues that the agency’s practices violated multiple provisions of the FLSA. He states that both he and other security staff were required to sign documents acknowledging their status as independent contractors upon hiring. However, they performed integral roles within the company’s operations and were subject to extensive oversight by Hill. The complaint alleges that Hill had complete authority over employment decisions at Valor, including hiring practices, employee classification, pay rates, and operational procedures.

In addition to seeking unpaid wages for himself and other affected security staff members, Edwards is pursuing liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid wages along with interest, attorneys’ fees, and court costs. The lawsuit also seeks certification as a collective action under the FLSA so that other similarly situated individuals can join the case.

Representing Aubray Edwards are attorneys Tracey T. Barbaree and Beth A. Moeller from Moeller Barbaree LLP based in Atlanta. The case is presided over by Judge MHC under Case ID 1:26-cv-00708-MHC.