Drug rehab CEO accused in lawsuit of sexually assaulting worker twice while she was drunk

The CEO of a South Amboy addiction clinic twice sexually assaulted a subordinate while she was in a “drunken stupor," according to a lawsuit filed by the woman.

Andrea Pierce, a director of admissions at the Recovery Centers for America at Raritan Bay, says in the lawsuit that James Haggerty had a “predatory and rapacious desire” for her during her employment at RCA. Pierce, a 38-year-old Long Branch resident, was hired on May 13, 2019, and is currently on administrative leave.

Haggerty, a 61-year-old married man, had an affair with Pierce through the summer of 2019, promising her the two would run away to Florida, according to the lawsuit, which was filed on April 14 in Superior Court in Middlesex County.

NJ Advance Media doesn’t typically identify victims of sexual assault, but Pierce decided to make her allegation public to hold RCA accountable, her attorney Peter Valenzano said.

“After having the courage to object to this disturbing behavior, Ms. Pierce was subject to a torrent of retaliation meant to drive her out of the company,” Valenzano said in a statement. “We are proud of Ms. Pierce for her courage in exposing this unlawful conduct.”

After she relapsed and then rejected Haggerty’s advances, Pierce received texts from him requesting nude photos, according to screenshots of the messages included in the lawsuit.

In November 2019, following a short stint at a detox facility, Pierce relapsed again and while intoxicated, called Haggerty for help, the lawsuit said.

Haggerty “exploited” Pierce and forced her to have sexual intercourse, the lawsuit said.

“Given her state, she could not possibly have consented," the lawsuit states. “After fulfilling his incessant and infantile sexual needs, defendant Haggerty chivalrously drove (Pierce) to a detox facility.”

Haggerty sexually assaulted Pierce while she was drunk a second time on March 9, according to the lawsuit. After this incident, Pierce confided in a friend and her mother, who both urged her to file a police report.

A rape kit was performed on Pierce at the hospital and Long Branch police officers came to her apartment to take photos and take evidence, the lawsuit said. Long Branch Police Chief Jason Roebuck told NJ Advance Media the investigation is ongoing, but no charges have been filed.

In an interview with the New York Post, Pierce, through tears, said, “I had this perfect job, and I love what I do. I love helping people and that is just gone now. I stay in bed all day and I cry.”

Pierce declined to be interviewed by NJ Advance Media. Her attorneys said she did not want to relive the traumatic experience.

The lawsuit said RCA threatened to fire Pierce after she went public with her allegations against Haggerty in the lawsuit. Haggerty is no longer employed at RCA. His attorney, Thomas P. Scrivo, did not return a request to comment.

Pierce is seeking reinstatement of employment and all benefits, compensatory and punitive damages, and for RCA to undergo training in several areas to prevent harassment and retaliation in the workplace.

RCA is based out of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and has 11 locations in New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

The attorney representing RCA, Christopher P. Kelly, declined to comment on the allegations in the lawsuit.

“We are confident that the legal process will reveal the truth,” he said in an email.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.