Salvation Army Fires Carlisle Woman for Reporting Sexual Assault, According to Lawsuit

The Salvation Army has faced allegations of retaliatory action against a Carlisle woman who reported experiencing sexual harassment, according to a recently filed lawsuit. The incident, which occurred in 2025, has sparked concerns about workplace safety and the organization’s response to misconduct. The lawsuit claims the woman was terminated in a manner that was discriminatory based on sex and gender, with her termination described as retaliatory for speaking out.

The victim began working with the Salvation Army in November 2024 at the Carlisle location. According to the lawsuit, the harassment incident took place on August 22, 2025, when she was alone in her office. She had removed her shoes due to discomfort, and a coworker, Bill Baltaeff, entered the room. He apologized for her shoes being off and then proceeded to rub lotion on her foot, which she described as inappropriate. Baltaeff allegedly told her he performed this act for his wife on a daily basis. When she pulled away, he touched himself with her other foot, according to the lawsuit.

The victim reported the incident to her superiors on August 24, 2025, requesting to avoid contact with Baltaeff. Instead of meeting with her in person, the organization arranged a phone call where she repeatedly referred to the encounter as a “sexual assault.” The next day, she asked for the day off due to fear and anxiety, but her supervisors insisted she come to work. She received a call and a text from Baltaeff asking if she was present and noting she hadn’t arrived in her car.

Upon arriving at work, she was informed that an investigation was underway and she would need to provide a written statement. In her statement, she expressed being “traumatized” and having difficulty discussing the incident. The same day, she was given an “unusually high” workload by the Salvation Army, which the lawsuit suggests was an attempt to pressure her into silence.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about how organizations handle sexual misconduct and the potential consequences for those who report it. The Salvation Army, known for its charitable work and community service, faces scrutiny over its internal policies and the support it provides to employees who experience harassment or assault. The lawsuit underscores the need for clear procedures to address such issues and protect those who come forward.

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