A recent lawsuit claims that an employer attempted to conceal workplace hazards and then terminated an employee who raised health and safety concerns, according to court documents. The complaint was filed by Charles Lyons in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on March 28, 2026, naming Crestline Hotels and Resorts as the defendant.
The filing outlines two primary allegations: that Crestline Hotels and Resorts engaged in workplace fraud by covering up visible mold with spray paint following complaints to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and that the company retaliated against Lyons by terminating his employment after he continued to raise concerns about mold exposure. The plaintiff asserts these actions violate both state law (GA 16-9-109.1) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to the complaint, Lyons initially reported visible mold on overhead water pipes at Emory Conference Center Hotel, which is managed by Crestline Hotels and Resorts. After receiving no response from the engineering department, Lyons filed complaints with OSHA regarding the condition of the pipes. The document states, “I then filed a complaint with OSHA stating that the Employer attempted to cover the overhead mold infested water pipes with white spray paint to appear to have been mediated.” Lyons further alleges that Crestline reported back to OSHA claiming remediation had occurred while “the mold was still present at the time.”
Lyons describes a series of events where his workplace environment became increasingly hostile after his complaints. He claims that despite walkthroughs by management following OSHA’s correspondence, no action was taken to address the mold issue. Concerned for his health—citing a diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo which he says can be triggered by mold—Lyons requested that a mold expert evaluate the facility. According to his account, both a mold expert and Crestline’s director of engineering toured the premises, where “the mold expert did confirm that there was mold on the pipes and in the air vents.”
Following this confirmation, Lyons states he filed another complaint with OSHA. Shortly thereafter, he alleges he was “abruptly terminated for raising the safety issues.” In his statement of claims, Lyons asserts that Crestline’s actions amounted to unlawful retaliation under federal law: “Crestline acted in retaliation when I asked if a mold expert would come and speak to the director of engineering…and confirmed that the pipes were infested with old as well as the air vents.” He maintains there is a direct connection between his termination and his efforts to bring attention to what he describes as ongoing public health risks.
The complaint references specific legal protections afforded under federal statutes prohibiting discrimination or retaliation against employees who file safety complaints or participate in investigations related to workplace hazards. Lyons writes: “It is established that I engaged in legally protected activity raising safety/health issue and suffered an adverse employment action.” He also notes his cooperation with OSHA throughout their investigation into conditions at Emory Conference Center Hotel.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Lyons requests expedited consideration under applicable state code and Title VII provisions. He asks for a finding that Crestline’s alleged attempt to cover up hazardous conditions was reckless and resulted in exposure to toxic substances. Additionally, he seeks any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case lists Charles Lyons as representing himself (pro se), providing contact information but not naming any attorneys or judges involved in this matter at this stage. The case identification number is 1:26-cv-00955-RDA-IDD.
Source: 126cv00955_Lyons_v_Crestline_Hotels_and_Resorts_Complaints_Eastern_District_Virginia.pdf
