On April 14, 2019, plaintiff Loran Candelas, a dispatcher, resigned from her position with the Cathedral City police force. Candelas claimed that Police Chief Travis Walker had made sexual advances toward her at work and attempted to force her to have sex with him while they were at a work conference in a hotel. Candelas also claimed that Walker attempted to fondle her numerous times before she quit. Candelas sued Walker and Walker’s employer, the city of Cathedral City. Candelas alleged that Walker’s actions constituted sexual harassment, gender discrimination and battery. She also alleged that the city was negligent for failing to prevent discrimination and harassment and that the city was liable for Walker’s actions. Walker and the city denied Candelas’ claims., Candelas claimed that she suffered from emotional distress as a result of the incidents. Candelas sought recovery of damages for emotional pain and suffering.