Georgia- Accusations of sexual harassment widen the problems suffered by Angel Food Ministries, the $100-million Georgia nonprofit.
Tioni King, now Tioni Barish, alleges in her federal suit filed Friday that Andy Wingo, [pictured right] son of founder Joe Wingo, made numerous physical advances toward her, e-mailed her nude pictures of himself, took her on company trips, gave her $3,550 worth of furniture, cash and a job, and threatened her job and others’ jobs for not accepting his advances in 2007. The nonprofit fired her.
Angel Food sells food cheaply to needy families through a national network of more than 5,000 churches, including more than 200 in metro Atlanta.
Her suit also names the nonprofit’s associated businesses, and Joe, Linda and Wesley Wingo, the family that runs the organization.
Edward D. Buckley, King’s Atlanta attorney, said he was unaware he filed the case the same day that two board members of the nonprofit also filed a state suit, trying to bar the four Wingos from the organization’s business.
That suit claims the Wingos enriched themselves through high salaries, buying personal items on company credit cards, and sweetheart deals, including kickbacks from food vendors.
The family has characterized that suit as a money and power grab.
Also, the FBI and IRS searched the nonprofit’s offices last month. Agents refused to say what they were looking for, but a statement from Angel Food says the investigation is into “alleged financial irregularities” of individuals there.
Buckley said Tuesday before noon that he did not know if the Wingos were aware of the sexual harassment suit.
“I think the pleadings speak for themselves, and we look forward to bringing this to trial,” he said.
A spokesman at Angel Food was unaware of the suit and a phone call to the attorney Buckley identified as the nonprofit’s attorney was not answered.