On Oct. 3, 2014, plaintiff Janie Garcia, a project manager for a government contractor, Vaughn Management & Services Inc., claimed she was assaulted by one of her supervisors, Armen Eloyan, who was the father of the chief executive officer, Vahan Eloyan, and husband of the chief financial officer, Anna Eloyan. Garcia was hired by Bret Woolley, the contract manager for the company, to manage a government contract. After she was hired, she and Woolley complained to the U.S. Navy and the Small Business Administration about Vaughn Management’s alleged illegal activities, including alleged billing, invoice, payroll and/or tax fraud. As a result of the complaints to the government agencies, Vaughn Management lost a government contract. Garcia was then confronted by Armen Eloyan and fired on Oct. 3, 2014. Three days later, on Oct. 6, 2014, Woolley was fired. Garcia and Woolley sued Vaughn Management, Armen Eloyan, Vahan Eloyan and Anna Eloyan. Garcia and Woolley alleged that the defendants’ actions constituted wrongful termination, retaliation, failure to prevent harassment and/or discrimination, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. They also alleged that they were given improper wages in violation of the Labor Code. Garcia further alleged that Armen Eloyan’s actions constituted gender discrimination, sexual harassment, assault and battery. In addition, Woolley alleged that the defendants’ actions constituted a breach of contract. Garcia claimed that Armen Eloyan confronted her, called her a “stupid woman” and then tried to take her phone away from her. She alleged that when she complained about the gender discrimination and assault, she was terminated. Garcia claimed that she was wrongfully terminated because of her complaints and refusal to engage in what she believed were illegal activities. Woolley claimed that when he complained about the alleged gender discrimination against Garcia, the alleged assault against Garcia and the alleged illegal activities, he was fired. Defense counsel argued that Garcia and Woolley were properly terminated because they conspired to create their own company and steal contracts., Garcia and Woolley sought recovery of their respective loss of earnings. Garcia also sought recovery of damages for her emotional distress, which she claimed she suffered as a result of the incidents. In addition, Woolley sought recovery of damages for his emotional distress as a result the alleged retaliation and wrongful termination.