U.S. Senior District Judge Nora Barry Fischer denied AMP Home Care LLC’s motions in limine to exclude evidence of Tarashae Butler’s workplace misconduct and sexual conduct with third parties, finding the evidence highly relevant to proving pretext in the employment discrimination suit brought by former employee Andrew Boodoo.
Boodoo, who worked as a Team Lead for AMP, alleges that Butler sexually harassed him and that AMP failed to accommodate his Santeria religious practices when he requested time off for a full moon ritual. AMP terminated Boodoo in February 2024 after he left his post for two minutes to wait for a replacement, citing neglect under state regulations.
In her May 11 order, Fischer noted that record evidence showed AMP had notice of Butler’s behavior but did not terminate her despite multiple infractions, including theft of a client’s money and coming to work drunk.
“The relevancy of this evidence to the key issues in the case far outweighs any prejudice to AMP,” Fischer wrote.
The judge also allowed evidence of Butler’s sexual conduct with other employees, rejecting AMP’s argument that such details would turn the trial into a “referendum on Butler’s character” or a “trial within a trial.” Fischer ruled that the evidence could provide circumstantial proof of a discriminatory atmosphere and support Boodoo’s claim that AMP’s stated reason for his termination was pretextual.
Conversely, Fischer granted Boodoo’s motions to exclude evidence of his withdrawn claims under the Adult Protective Services Act and his complaints to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, finding them irrelevant and unduly prejudicial. She also barred evidence of Boodoo’s prior lawsuits against other entities, agreeing with the plaintiff that such evidence would confuse the jury and unfairly paint him as a “serial plaintiff.”
The case, which also includes claims under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, is set for trial unless the parties reach a settlement. Counsel are required to file a joint status report by May 18, 2026, advising the court on their settlement efforts.