Opinion ID: 2162530
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Zeender litigation.

Text: On December 19, 1991, Cathy and Ramon Zeender filed a ten-count complaint against Potomac Residence in the Superior Court. The complaint was based on the alleged exploitation of Cathy Zeender by Karen Prieto, a Potomac Residence counselor, at a time when Mrs. Zeender, who was suffering from a Multiple Personality Disorder, was a resident of Potomac Residence's half-way house. The Zeenders alleged that Ms. Prieto engaged in a sexual relationship with Cathy Zeender from December 19, 1990 through January 6, 1991 and that she drank alcohol with Mrs. Zeender, even though Ms. Prieto knew that these activities were improper and potentially harmful to the patient. The complaint also alleged that Ms. Prieto caused Mrs. Zeender to dissociate, [1] contrary to the treatment plan prescribed for Mrs. Zeender by her psychiatrist. According to the complaint, Edith Maeda, the executive director of Potomac Residence, learned of Ms. Prieto's improper conduct with Cathy Zeender. The Zeenders alleged that, contrary to the directions of Mrs. Zeender's psychiatrist, Ms. Maeda permitted Ms. Prieto not only to continue her employment with Potomac Residence, but also to maintain her relationship with Cathy Zeender. The Zeenders claimed that the defendants' conduct constituted, inter alia, breach of fiduciary duty, assault and battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, gross negligence, negligent supervision, and breach of contract. They prayed for an award of compensatory and punitive damages totalling one hundred million dollars.