In late 2006, claimant Anthony Almeida, a firefighter/engineer employed with the Los Angeles Fire Department since 1986, began to be mocked by several coworkers after one coworker learned that he had filed a lawsuit against the Catholic Church regarding being sexually abused by a priest. He claimed that when he complained about the comments to management officials, the harassment went unaddressed. Thus, Almeida claimed that he was a victim of harassment and retaliation by fellow firefighters. In 2007, Almeida filed a complaint against the LAFD with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He alleged the fire department’s actions constituted discrimination and retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Almeida claimed that he was continually harassed by fellow firefighters, who used deeply offensive comments of a sexual and religious nature. He alleged that the harassment consisted of several coworkers who mocked him for the lawsuit against the Catholic Church, using explicit and offensive religious and sexual epithets. He also alleged that although he complained about the harassment to management officials, the fire department failed to adequately halt or address it. He further claimed that he had suffered retaliatory discipline for his participation in another equal employment opportunity investigation., Almeida claimed that he suffered emotional distress as a result of harassment and retaliation by the Los Angeles Fire Department. He also claimed that the alleged harassment and abuse forced him to take days off from work. Thus, Almeida claimed that he suffered lost time and wages. However, he acknowledged that he continues to work for the LAFD.