Salvation Army Case Shows Why Workers Need Strong Legal Protection

December 17, 2025 | Employment Law

Faith Fogle Pensinger

At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we are committed to protecting workers across Pennsylvania from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. A recent case involving The Salvation Army in Carlisle demonstrates exactly why strong legal advocacy is so critical—and why employees must know their rights when misconduct occurs.

According to news reports, a female employee at The Salvation Army was fired just eight days after reporting that a coworker assaulted her in the workplace. The allegations are disturbing on their own, but the employer’s response makes the situation even more troubling. Fortunately, the woman now has legal representation, including Attorney Faith Pensinger and Attorney Kendyl Swank (counsel), who are helping her pursue justice through the proper administrative and legal channels.

What Happened Inside the Salvation Army Office

The reported facts are alarming. After a long day, the employee briefly removed her shoes to rest her feet. A 66-year-old male coworker allegedly approached her, grabbed her foot without permission, and began massaging it. Reports say this quickly escalated: the coworker rubbed her foot against his groin, and asked whether he could “rub it on” his crotch. When the woman pulled away, he allegedly told her, “This stays between us.”

The woman immediately took the appropriate steps: she reported the assault to The Salvation Army. However, within less than two weeks after reporting the behavior (which the perpetrator confessed to, according to charging documents), she was fired. In its termination letter, The Salvation Army stated that “after prayerful consideration,” keeping her employed was not in its best interest—a justification that raises serious legal red flags.

Attorney Faith Pensinger’s Role in the Case

The victim is being represented by Attorney Faith Pensinger, who is assisting her as she exhausts her administrative remedies. This step is crucial before filing a federal lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

Attorney Pensinger’s involvement underscores the importance of having a skilled advocate who understands both the legal process and the emotional toll these cases take on victims. Her work ensures that the employee’s rights are preserved and that The Salvation Army is held accountable for its actions.

Cases involving sexual misconduct and retaliation can be intimidating for workers, especially when the employer is a large nonprofit or faith-based organization. With experienced counsel, victims gain both a legal advocate and a voice—something employers often hope they won’t have.

Why the Timing of This is Suspect of Retaliation

The law is clear: employees are protected when they report sexual harassment or assault. Employers cannot fire, demote, discipline, or otherwise punish an employee for making a complaint in good faith.

This situation reflects a pattern our firm sees too often:

  • A worker reports a serious incident.
  • The employer fails to investigate or protect the victim.
  • The employer retaliates instead of addressing the misconduct.

Such retaliation is illegal under both Pennsylvania and federal law. It also discourages other workers from reporting misconduct—allowing harmful behavior to continue unchecked.

The Impact on Victims

Retaliation is more than just a job loss. 

Victims often experience:

  • Emotional distress
  • Anxiety about future employment
  • Financial instability
  • Damage to professional trust and relationships
  • A sense of powerlessness and betrayal

When the employer is a charitable organization, the emotional impact can be magnified, as employees expect their workplace to reflect values of compassion and integrity.

Attorney Pensinger’s involvement exemplifies why victims need strong legal support. 

At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we help employees:

  • File harassment or retaliation claims
  • Navigate complex administrative processes
  • Seek compensation for lost wages and emotional damages
  • Hold employers accountable in court if necessary

Powerful organizations often rely on workers being too afraid or overwhelmed to pursue legal action. Having an attorney changes that dynamic.

What Pennsylvania Workers Should Know

If you report harassment or assault at work, the law protects you. If your employer fires you, cuts your hours, or otherwise retaliates, you may have a strong legal claim. And if your employer tries to silence you, you do not have to face them alone.

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Stands With Pennsylvania Workers

Our firm supports employees who experience harassment, assault, discrimination, or retaliation in the workplace. The Salvation Army case serves as a reminder that no organization—no matter its mission or reputation—is above the law.

If you have been mistreated after reporting workplace misconduct, contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates for a confidential consultation. We are here to protect your rights and help you pursue the justice you deserve.

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