Imagine being trapped in a job, facing threats of termination, and being coerced into sexual encounters with your boss. That’s the disturbing reality alleged by a Long Island man who has filed a staggering $100 million lawsuit against his former program director and Saint Joseph’s Medical Center. The lawsuit claims years of forced sexual relations occurred within an opioid treatment center, with employment security used as leverage.
Obama Invoked in Alleged Coercion
The plaintiff, Kian Cooper, alleges that his former boss, Michele Poole, attempted to normalize their inappropriate relationship by referencing former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. According to court documents filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court, Poole allegedly told Cooper, “Barack met Michelle at work. She was his boss. Be presidential. I think the next text [from you] should be saying Thank you.” This bizarre political analogy was reportedly part of Poole’s alleged efforts to maintain the relationship.
The lawsuit details that Poole, a program director, allegedly compelled Cooper into sexual relations, often within her office. Cooper claims he repeatedly asked Poole to stop the activity, both in person and via text messages, over 100 times. Poole’s alleged responses, including the Obama reference and a text stating, “I’m sooo undervalued. You know, even a Mercedes needs a tune-up sometimes,” are included in the complaint.
Job Security and Psychological Toll
Cooper, who holds two Master’s degrees in social work and urban affairs, stated he felt desperate to keep his job due to a past drug conviction, making him vulnerable to Poole’s alleged demands, which began in 2022. When he tried to refuse, Poole allegedly threatened him with job loss, telling him to “Find another job.” The lawsuit further claims the sustained stress from these alleged encounters led Cooper to take two medical leaves and resulted in a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The lawsuit also alleges that the sexual activity was so overt that other employees were aware of what was happening due to “the loud noises relative to sexual activities.” After Cooper formally complained in February 2024, Poole allegedly retaliated, telling him, “The sh-t you pulled was extremely foul. You hung me out to dry.”
Denials and Counterclaims
Michele Poole has vehemently denied the allegations. Speaking to The Post, she insisted that her six-month relationship with Cooper was entirely consensual. Poole claims Cooper showered her with gifts and romantic cards, and she refuted the assertion that she had any authority over his hiring or firing. “He’s just making stuff up,” Poole stated, adding, “I have proof of the intimate things he sent me.”
Poole also threatened legal action against anyone who slanders her name and denied that any sexual activity took place in her office, citing the presence of her secretary and the early staffing of the facility. While Poole is no longer employed at Saint Joseph’s, the reasons for her departure are unclear. Cooper’s legal team emphasized that men can be just as vulnerable to sexual harassment as women. Saint Joseph’s Medical Center has not yet responded to requests for comment.
What are your thoughts on this lawsuit and the allegations of workplace sexual coercion? Share your views in the comments below.