From the Complaint filed Thursday in Avodah Farms v. O'Hara-Rusckowski (D. Colo.):
Avodah was formed in February 2020. It works to restore and reintegrate women survivors of sex trafficking ("survivors") through comprehensive, Christ-centered care provided by Catholic religious sisters and faith-filled community. Avodah conducts its non-profit missionary work across the United States….
During the relevant times giving rise to this action, Rusckowski was a member of the Board of Councillors for the American Association of Malta, a Delegate and Special Advisor on Human Trafficking to the Ambassador for the Order of Malta at the United Nations….
In 2021, Rusckowski connected Avodah and Fitzpatrick to the Oblates, a religious order seeking to sell to Avodah certain real property located at 27 Kirk Street, Lowell, Massachusetts (the "Lowell Home"). The Lowell Home was intended to be used as safe housing for survivors, their children, and religious Sisters who had contracted with Avodah to care for the survivors….
Despite having donated significant funds to Avodah for the specific purpose of supporting Avodah's mission, Defendants possessed no legal right or property interests which would permit them to exert control or decision-making authority over the development of the Lowell Home. Despite this, Defendants through their actions, words, and conduct undertook substantial efforts to illegally force the Plaintiffs to abandon the project so Defendants could implement their new vision…..
Rusckowski and the Malta Defendants initiated a smear campaign against Plaintiffs.
