Legal Defense Fund for Activists

OUT OF POCKET LOSSES SO FAR ON ATTORNEY FEES MORE THAN $6700

On August 19, 2020, a former employer and political candidate Michelle Gomez filed a malicious lawsuit against Robert Leahy and other former employees in retaliation for them filing wage claims because Gomez refuses to pay them what she owes the employees. Michelle Gomez is running for Oceanside City Council for the fourth district and previously ran for San Diego County Supervisor in the Fifth District.

Gomez is retaliating against Robert for filing a wage claim, which was filed on July 11th, 2020 for wages owed during Gomez 2018 County Supervisor run and Gomez refuses to discuss settlement of the wage claim having refused three settlement offers,  Robert is raising these funds to retain an attorney to represent himself and any other defendants in this case who needs representation.  Gomez is wrongfully suing Robert over $725 worth of wages that she owes him, which will likely turn into over $5000 due to state-mandated statutes for delaying in paying him.   Gomez will also likely have to pay for Robert's attorney and court fees for the lawsuit as well.

Retainer fees are expensive, Robert has had to spend over $8300 out of pocket so far, which has greatly devastated his financial situation wiping out any savings due to the malicious and frivolous lawsuit filed by Gomez., which Gomez knew Robert had a poor financial situation already and COVID has made the situation worse.    Robert needs these funds urgently as Gomez has shown her resolve to continue this malicious lawsuit.  Your support would mean a lot in helping several activists who have worked hard to defend themselves against a malicious lawsuit from a bad candidate and person.

Aside from Robert's wage claim, Robert has had nothing to do with this candidate and former employer all year in 2020 since he wanted to get away from the constant and ongoing harassment Robert has been receiving from Michelle Gomez since July 2019.  This Lawsuit is maliciously filed against Robert and other amazing activists that have worked very hard not only for this candidate but many others. Robert personally wants nothing to do with this candidate,  Robert should be paid wages owed for the paid work he did,  Robert was grossly underpaid from what was agreed to.  Robert has also spent about 100 hours volunteering for Michelle Gomez in 2018. 
I ask if everyone could please help with anything you can help with, even a simple $20 would help.

FUNDS RAISED WILL SUPPORT ROBERT LEAHY, RACHAEL BARTLETT,  GARY GARTNER, and THE LINE PRINTING COMPANY in securing necessary legal support to defend them each from the malicious prosecution brought by Michelle Gomez.  A full copy of the lawsuit is available upon request. Feel free to contact me through the Contact button under Organizer below.

In Sept 2020 Leahy was the only person to fight back by filing an Anti-slapp motion.  4 defendants settled with Gomez by agreeing to make concessions with their wage claims and or silence. Information on the Anti-Slap motion, Gomez Opposition,  Leahy Response to opposition are available on request.

In late January 2021, the court heard the motion and ruled in favor of the Anti-slapp motion. (See below), Total bill  exceeds 10k

In April 2021, Gomez filed for bankruptcy to try to escape liability of the frivolous lawsuit she wrongfully filed and to escape the wage claims of Leahy and Bartlett. 

In July Leahy filed a lawsuit within the bankruptcy case called an adversary proceeding,  Gomez continues to avoid her obligations and run up the bill on Leahy who is over a 6 digit figure deep.  

We need your help to hold Gomez accountable and see this all the way through trial.   Anything Helps

Here are some links to more information.
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2020/may/12/stringers-powerful-oceanside-firefighters-pliable-/

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/oceanside/story/2020-05-25/campaign-workers-say-candidate-wont-pay

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2020/oct/27/oceansides-michelle-gomez-sues-ex-workers-libel-an/?fbclid=IwAR1EdUXSnPOdGds3YSlXNTOSfAmXtKv0rv_RAxDhZI652GFxmCph1qAPxdA

Court Ruling on Anti-Slapp motion
http://www.sandiego.courts.ca.gov/v3tr/ViewRulings.aspx?CaseNo=2020-00029521&SelDates=01/29/2021&EventId=2324270


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