Sowell

FACTS

Sowell and Raeck are former employees of SunLine. Anthony Garcia (Garcia) is

another former SunLine employee against whom Sowell sought a restraining order.

Sowell’s petitions against Raeck and Garcia were heard at the same time in the trial

court.

Raeck and Garcia posted videos on social media with fake images of violence

against current and former SunLine employees. One video showed SunLine employees,

including Sowell, “being punched in the face by the [‘B]reaking [B]ad[’] character

Walter White.” Raeck and Garcia also posted a video of a SunLine employee being

followed on his/her commute home.

At the start of the evidentiary hearing, the trial court announced that Sowell

would present her evidence, and after Sowell “presented [her] side of the case,” then

Raeck could “address the Court.” As Sowell’s attorney finished his direct examinations

of Sowell’s first, second, and fourth witnesses, each time the trial court said, “Next

witness, please.” The trial court never invited Raeck to cross-examine Sowell’s

witnesses. When Sowell rested, Garcia asked, “Your Honor, are we allowed to cross-

2 examine?” The trial court responded, “You’ll address the Court.”…