Integrated Proteins faces two lawsuits
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A Kansas City-based company with a facility in St. Joseph faces two lawsuits that were filed by ex-employees earlier this month.
Paya Toliver of Kansas City filed a lawsuit in Platte County that claims sexual harassment. She is suing Integrated Protein, LLC, and its Chief Executive Officer, Joe Hubbard, as well as ResourceOne Global. W.D. Pearson, of Savannah, Mo., filed an age discrimination lawsuit.
Toliver worked as a paralegal from May of 2023 until her termination on July 14, 2025. During her employment, she alleges she was the object of inappropriate comments and behavior by Hubbard at company functions and during office hours.
In January of 2024, Toliver said she met with Hubbard to explain that his advances were not welcome and that he "leave her alone." After Toliver told a co-worker about Hubbard's behavior, she says she began to experience retaliation while the harassment from Hubbard continued. She was terminated from the company on July 14, 2025.
Pearson began work at Integrated Proteins in November of 2024 as a lab technician. In December of 2024, Pearson alleges that he was offered the position of Plant Quality Manager, which he accepted.
Later that month, during the company's Christmas party, Pearson says he sat at a table with colleagues and casually revealed that he was 66 years old. Then, on December 20, 2024, Pearson said he was summoned to a conference room and informed that his employment was being terminated.
Although neither lawsuit asked for a specific dollar amount in damages, both are seeking punitive and compensatory damages.
