Virginia Employment Law, led by attorney Thomas E. Strelka, is representing two former high-ranking city finance officials in separate $5 million lawsuits alleging a toxic workplace culture under Roanoke’s prior leadership. Plaintiffs Yen Thuy Ha, former city budget analyst, and Amelia Merchant, longtime finance official, claim former City Manager Bob Cowell, former Assistant City Manager Brent Robertson, and Deputy City Manager Angela O’Brien fostered a hostile environment, retaliated against employees who reported abuse, and engaged in gender-based pay disparities.

The suits detail incidents of public beratement, intimidation, and retaliation after the women raised concerns, including removal of duties, demotion, and isolation from decision-making. Both allege severe emotional distress and, in Merchant’s case, forced retirement to escape ongoing mistreatment.

These cases aim to hold public officials accountable for creating and perpetuating hostile workplace conditions, and they underscore Virginia Employment Law’s commitment to protecting employees—public and private—who stand up against retaliation, harassment, and inequality in the workplace.

An article on the case may be read HERE.