Katerina Ceric has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, Metals Royal Oak, LLC, and its managing member, Sergio Basmajian, alleging severe workplace discrimination and wrongful termination. The complaint was filed on December 1, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ceric accuses Metals Royal Oak and Basmajian of creating a hostile work environment through gender-based harassment and age discrimination.
Ceric’s legal battle stems from her employment at Metals in Time, a jewelry store operated by Metals Royal Oak in Oakland County. She began working there in July 2024 under the promise of receiving health insurance after one year. However, she claims that starting September 2024, Basmajian subjected her to derogatory comments based on her sex and age. Ceric recalls being called “bitches,” “whores,” and “hos” regularly. In March 2025, she was passed over for a managerial promotion in favor of a younger employee with less experience. These incidents led Ceric to file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights in mid-2025.
Despite seeking redress through official channels, Ceric alleges that her complaints only exacerbated her situation. After repeatedly requesting health insurance as promised after one year of service, she was terminated on September 2, 2025. Ceric believes this termination was retaliatory due to her civil rights complaint and demands for rightful benefits under ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). She also claims violations under Title VII and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
Ceric is seeking comprehensive damages for these alleged violations including economic losses such as back pay and future earnings potential; non-economic damages like emotional distress; punitive damages; as well as attorney fees and court costs. Additionally, she seeks relief under the Michigan Sales Representative Commission Act due to unpaid commissions promised by Metals Royal Oak but allegedly diverted by Basmajian.
Represented by Nanette L. Cortese from The Cortese Law Firm PLC located in Bingham Farms, Michigan; Katerina Ceric aims to hold Metals Royal Oak accountable for their purported discriminatory practices and retaliation tactics that have caused significant harm to her career trajectory and personal well-being.
The case is presided over by an unnamed judge under Case ID: 2:25-cv-13847-MAG-CI.
Source: 225cv3847_Katerina_Ceric_v_Metals_Royal_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
