Sex harassment suit hits Angel Food Ministries

Accusations of sexual harassment have added to the problems of Angel Food Ministries, the $100 million Georgia nonprofit that sells discount food to the needy.

Tioni King, now Tioni Barish, alleges in a federal lawsuit filed Friday that Andy Wingo, son of founder Joe Wingo, made numerous physical advances toward her, e-mailed her nude pictures of himself, took her on company trips, gave her $3,550 worth of furniture, cash and a job, and threatened her job and others’ jobs for not accepting his advances in 2007. The nonprofit fired her.

Angel Food Ministries sells food cheaply to needy families through a national network of more than 5,000 churches, including more than 200 in metro Atlanta.

King’s suit also names the nonprofit’s associated businesses, founders Joe and Linda Wingo, and another son, Wesley Wingo. All are involved the nonprofit’s operations.

Edward D. Buckley, King’s Atlanta attorney, said he was unaware he filed the case the same day that two board members of the nonprofit also filed a state suit, trying to bar the four Wingos from the organization’s business.

That suit claims the Wingos enriched themselves through high salaries, buying personal items on company credit cards, and sweetheart deals, including kickbacks from food vendors.

The family has characterized that suit as a money and power grab.

The FBI and IRS searched the nonprofit’s offices last month. Agents refused to say what they were looking for, but a statement from Angel Food said the investigation was into “alleged financial irregularities” of people there.

Buckley said Tuesday that he did not know if the Wingos were aware of the sexual harassment suit.

“I think the pleadings speak for themselves, and we look forward to bringing this to trial,” he said.

A spokesman at Angel Food was unaware of the suit, and a phone call to the attorney Buckley had identified as the nonprofit’s attorney was not answered.