Former employee files lawsuit against Fall River Public Schools alleges she was offered drugs, cites misconduct, harassment, hostile work environment, sex on the job

A civil lawsuit was filed Thursday in Bristol Superior Court on behalf of Carla Cruz, a former Durfee High School security officer for the Fall River Public Schools against the district, alleging sexual harassment, sex and gender discrimination, negligent hiring, retaliation, and other employment-related violations.

Represented by attorney Joseph P. Fingliss Jr., the complaint claims Cruz faced a hostile work environment, including accusations of gross misconduct and endangering colleagues’ safety, leading to her suspension. The complaint also references drug possession allegations against supervisors.

The complaint centers on several claims, detailed in the court filing.

• Cruz accuses Jordan Periquito, Joseph Correira, and Kyle Frizado, of repeated inappropriate behavior, such as explicit comments, unwanted advances, and creating a sexually charged atmosphere in the workplace.
• She claims the district’s response to her complaints favored male colleagues, exacerbating a hostile work environment based on her gender.
• The suit argues the school department failed to properly vet or oversee staff, allowing misconduct to persist.
• After reporting the issues, Cruz allegedly faced backlash, including unfounded accusations of gross misconduct (e.g., endangering colleagues’ safety), leading to her indefinite suspension without pay. This is portrayed as punitive action to silence her.
• Broader failures in handling internal complaints, including bullying and threats against elected school committee members, are alleged and cited as evidence of systemic issues within the district.
• Alleges extra-marital affair while on the job by Director of Security at the time, Joseph Correira and Safety Officer Karleigh Prinzo.

The suit seeks damages for emotional distress and lost wages.