Missionary Group Sued After Worker’s Guilty Plea in Restroom Voyeurism Case

Hohman alleges leaders ignored repeated warnings about Joel Joaquin Vergara and failed to properly secure a restroom door. The lawsuit claims Vergara’s actions, including unexplained visits to Hohman’s office and intrusive behavior, created a hostile work environment. She also claims Vergara took and shared inappropriate photographs of her, violating her privacy and trust.

Vergara pleaded guilty to video voyeurism in a separate case, according to the complaint. The charges stem from his unauthorized access to a restroom door at Go To Nations, which he used to capture video of individuals using the facility. The incident, which occurred in 2023, led to his termination from the organization. Despite this, Hohman claims the organization did not take adequate steps to address her concerns or protect her from further harm.

Go To Nations, which operates under the name Calvary International Inc., is described in its mission statement as seeking to “initiate and accelerate missions ministry on a global scale.” The organization, founded in 1981, does not file a Form 990 with the IRS, but financial data from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability shows it reported revenues of nearly $5.2 million in 2024.

Hohman joined Go To Nations in September 2023 as a “mobilization assistant.” Her role included contacting donors, assisting with corporate events, and digitizing records from mission trips. Vergara, who joined the organization in 2005, was identified as a junior network administrator and was responsible for its security systems. The complaint alleges that his position gave him access to sensitive areas of the organization, including the restroom.

Hohman claims Vergara began visiting her office one to three times daily, sometimes staying for over an hour. She also noticed him passing by her office multiple times each day as he made restroom trips. At least twice, the lawsuit states, Vergara hugged Hohman from behind while she worked alone. She also became concerned he was monitoring her Instagram activity, which she claims was a clear sign of his inappropriate interest in her.

At a January 2024 employee induction event, Vergara photographed Hohman while she leaned over a desk to sign a covenant. The image, which showed her bra and cleavage, was shared in a group email. Hohman told several employees the photograph made her uncomfortable and that she did not want it posted online. However, Go To Nations posted the image anyway, according to the complaint. This act, Hohman claims, further violated her privacy and contributed to her emotional distress.

The lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in damages and a jury trial, alleging that Vergara and Go To Nations engaged in “extreme and outrageous conduct” that caused severe emotional harm. Hohman’s case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in organizations that claim to serve others. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, we must speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and ensure justice is done.

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