Boston, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Marie Theodat, former HR director at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, has filed a 216-page lawsuit alleging employment discrimination and conspiracy against multiple defendants including the Commission and city officials. The lawsuit claims racial and gender discrimination along with defamation, stemming from her dismissal amid a toxic workplace culture. A pre-trial conference is scheduled, and the case highlights broader issues within the Commission’s management practices.
Boston
Key facts
Marie Theodat, former human resources director of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, has filed an employment discrimination lawsuit alleging conspiracy against several parties to have her fired. The lawsuit was filed in Suffolk Superior Court on September 30 against the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, its executive director, several current and former employees, two former city councilors, Mayor Michelle Wu, her labor advisor, and the Boston Herald. The complaint spans 216 pages and includes 14 counts
What the suit alleges and who is named
Theodat’s filing alleges that defendants acted to illegally discharge her and hid their true motivations behind false, defamatory allegations that aimed to ruin her career and personal life. The lawsuit contains a specific count described as “civil conspiracy” naming former city councilors Michael Flaherty and Ricardo Arroyo among others. Theodat alleges she faced a toxic workplace culture and that her work was devalued due to her race, national origin, and sex.
Allegations of leaks, defamation and media role
Theodat contends that Flaherty and others leaked information to the media, resulting in defamatory articles that contributed to her termination. The lawsuit describes internal investigations commissioned by the Commission as baseless and states Theodat has faced defamation for media reporting. Theodat’s complaint also names the Boston Herald as a defendant and includes allegations that the outlet published false or harmful material tied to the broader actions against her.
Employment timeline and financial details
Theodat, aged 57, was dismissed from her position, which paid $202,873 annually, on April 18 after being on paid administrative leave since December 2, 2024. The suit notes that despite ongoing inquiries into her actions, Theodat’s salary had seen a 61% increase from 2019 to 2024. The complaint says the Commission promoted Theodat and increased her pay while investigations were ongoing, a point that has drawn criticism from outside observers and internal stakeholders.
Related legal matters involving Theodat
Theodat is embroiled in several civil lawsuits, including fraud allegations related to her elderly uncle, which she claims are “frivolous.” The filing notes that a jury previously ruled in favor of a plaintiff in another case against Theodat, ordering her to pay $72,000 related to mortgage fraud. Theodat characterizes other matters tied to investigations as part of a coordinated effort to discredit her.
Claims about municipal direction and personnel actions
The lawsuit claims Mayor Wu and her labor advisor directed actions against Theodat, including the order to fire her to stop adverse media attention. Theodat also alleges aggressive behavior from Sean Canty, then-director of facilities and security, who has also been terminated from his position. Several unions raised concerns about Theodat’s access to sensitive employee information amid ongoing investigations and called for her suspension.
Procedural status and next steps
The case has a pre-trial conference scheduled for December 15. The lawsuit asks the court to address the 14 counts and to consider damages and remedies for the alleged illegal discharge, defamation, and discrimination. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission and other named defendants have indicated they will respond to the filing; one attorney representing a defendant has characterized Theodat’s lawsuit as frivolous and expects it to be dismissed.
Broader context
Recent inquiries into the Commission have prompted a broader look at the internal culture and management practices within the agency. Theodat’s complaint frames her firing as the culmination of a coordinated campaign that included leaks, media reports, and internal probes. The filing combines employment law claims, conspiracy counts, and defamation-related allegations in a complex civil action that brings multiple public officials and agency employees into the dispute.
What to watch
- Pre-trial conference on December 15.
- Responses and motions to dismiss expected from defendants in the weeks following the filing.
- Any civil actions related to fraud or other allegations that remain pending against Theodat.
- Further scrutiny of the Commission’s personnel and investigative processes.
FAQ
What did Marie Theodat file?
Marie Theodat, former human resources director of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, has filed an employment discrimination lawsuit alleging conspiracy against several parties to have her fired.
Where and when was the lawsuit filed?
The lawsuit was filed in Suffolk Superior Court on September 30 against the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, its executive director, several current and former employees, two former city councilors, Mayor Michelle Wu, her labor advisor, and the Boston Herald.
How large is the lawsuit and how many counts does it include?
The lawsuit spans 216 pages and includes grievances related to racial and gender discrimination experienced during her employment.
What employment and pay details are included in the filing?
Theodat, aged 57, was dismissed from her position, which paid $202,873 annually, on April 18 after being on paid administrative leave since December 2, 2024.
Does the lawsuit allege other misconduct by named individuals?
The lawsuit contains 14 counts, including “civil conspiracy” against former city councilors Michael Flaherty and Ricardo Arroyo, as well as allegations against the Boston Herald and others.
Are there other legal actions involving Theodat?
Theodat is embroiled in several civil lawsuits, including fraud allegations related to her elderly uncle, which she claims are “frivolous.”
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Marie Theodat |
| Position | Former human resources director, Boston Water and Sewer Commission |
| Filing date | September 30 |
| Court | Suffolk Superior Court |
| Defendants named (high level) | Boston Water and Sewer Commission, executive director, several employees, Michael Flaherty, Ricardo Arroyo, Mayor Michelle Wu, her labor advisor, Boston Herald, others |
| Pages in complaint | 216 |
| Counts | 14 |
| Annual salary at time of dismissal | $202,873 |
| Administrative leave began | December 2, 2024 |
| Termination date | April 18 |
| Pre-trial conference | December 15 |
| Previous jury judgment against Theodat | $72,000 (mortgage fraud case) |
| Salary increase noted | 61% increase from 2019 to 2024 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Faces Rising Threat of Quitclaim Deed Fraud
Boston Residents Cautioned Over Rising Quitclaim Deed Fraud
Additional Resources
- Boston Herald: HR Director Sues Mayor
- Boston Globe: Michael Flaherty
- HR Grapevine: HR Director Amid Fraud Allegations
- Boston Globe: Water and Sewer Commission Questions
- Boston Herald: HR Director Fired with Payout
- Wikipedia: Boston Water and Sewer Commission
- Google Search: Boston Water and Sewer Commission
- Google Scholar: Boston Water and Sewer Commission lawsuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
- Google News: Boston Water and Sewer Commission lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
