Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Tammy Cagle, a licensed social worker in her mid-40s, worked as a specialty clinician in a Pittsfield, Mass., drug court under the supervision of Judge Thomas Estes. On repeated occasions, Estes and Cagle allegedly met in his chambers, where Estes allegedly would coerce Cagle into performing sexual acts on him. Additionally, Estes allegedly went to Cagle’s home and became sexually aggressive toward her, grabbing her and forcing her to perform sexual acts on him.

Cagle was subsequently placed on administrative leave and removed from the drug court. She suffered emotional distress and moved out of state. After an investigation, Estes was suspended from the trial court and subsequently resigned.

Cagle filed suit against the Trial Court of Massachusetts and Estes, alleging sex discrimination, retaliation, and hostile work environment in violation of Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151B.

The plaintiff and defendants reached settlements totaling $435,000. The trial court paid $425,000, and Estes paid the rest.

Citation: Cagle v. Trial Ct. of Mass., No. 19-3294C (Mass. Super. Ct. Suffolk Cty. Feb. 4, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: Leonard H. Kesten and Erica Brody, both of Boston.