SUNNYSIDE, Wash. – A Yakima County mushroom farm has been ordered to pay millions in fines after an investigation found it violated its workers’ civil rights.

State Attorney General Bob Ferguson said that Ostrom Mushroom Farm must pay $3.4 million in compensation to the affected former employees.

The investigation found that Ostrom deliberately forced out many of its Washington-based female employees and replaced them with temporary foreign workers.

Ferguson also said that Ostrom retaliated against workers who complained about the illegal practices.

In one instance, a female worker was physically assaulted by a manager after she brought her complaints to upper management.

During the course of the lawsuit, Ostrom sold its mushroom farm to Windmill Farms.

The new owners will be required to adopt policies protecting their employees from future misconduct.