John Chiv: Second lawsuit against Agape and North Coast Ministries claims wrongful termination, racial discrimination and 14 other allegations; former employee and client told they were in a"gang" because black people always ganged up together against white people

Nov 2, 2025

Second lawsuit against Agape and North Coast Ministries claims wrongful termination, racial discrimination and 14 other allegations; former employee and client told they were in a"gang" because black people always ganged up together against white people

Agape and North Coast Ministries have another lawsuit filed against them. This one by Crystal Butler for wrongful termination, racial discrimination and 14 other allegations. Butler is represented by Mr. Jeff Neiderman, a Westlake Village lawyer. North Coast Ministries by Newport Beach attorney Mr. Thomas Nowland.

Daily harassment and discrimation alleged in the lawsuit includes telling Butler and her client that they were in a"gang" because black people always ganged up together against white people. This is from page 3 of the complaint. There are other examples which you can read in the court documents I have provided. Butler alleges her complaint to Trent Zelanick, director, did not result in action but retaliation. I have included exhibits which are regarding a complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department. North Coast Ministries denies every allegation and requests the complaint be dismissed with prejudice.

There was a case management conference on 10/27/25. Mr. William Norton was present for North Coast Ministries. Trial assignment is on 6/12/26; jury trial on 6/15/26. 7 day trial estimate.

I have included links to prior coverage on two other related posts.

The 2024 post is about a December 2023 a class action lawsuit was filed by Brian Susmilch against North Coast Ministries. In December 2023. North Coast Ministries is located in Eureka. "Agapé Home Care is a service branch of North Coast Ministries."

The 2017 post is an article former Times-Standard reporter Hunter Cresswell did about Agape House. My post then was about "the monitoring of safe and sober houses by the City of Eureka and the County is a joke. Jennika Suazo, was found dead, at Third and P street at a clean and sober living facility. Bodhi Tree, convicted of two deaths, had been living at a safe and sober house." I covered both these the Suazo and Tree court cases; Suazo is an example of Eureka and Tree of Arcata.

A lot of money is thrown at drug rehab.