Police officers are trusted to prevent and stop crimes from occurring. But while most do an excellent job of this, not every officer can be trusted. As with any profession, there are “bad apples.”
Recently a former Atlanta city employee has accused her former police supervisor of sexual harassment and is seeking a federal trial against the supervisor and the city for what she says is failure to stop the criminal behavior.
Hopes of Compensation
Michelle Anderson alleges that she has endured inappropriate actions from Wellington Clarke for more than two years. In her 40-page complaint she says that despite her objections, Wellington touched her inappropriately, saying things such as “I like the way you looked in those blue jeans.” Furthermore, she alleges that she reported Clarke to other supervisors, but all they did was relocate him despite harassment of other women.
Anderson is now requesting U.S. District Court Judge Leigh May to preside over a jury case in the hopes that she will be awarded compensation, have her job reinstated, and that penalties will be rallied against the city for its failure to stop the sexual harassment as well as for discrimination and retaliation. Clarke has apparently been with the city for more than 12 years.
Inappropriate Actions
Anderson alleges that Clarke engaged in various inappropriate behavior including touching her should in a sexual manner, harassing her over the phone, and inappropriately commenting on the appearance of other women in front of her. She also alleges that the APD told her it would take years for it to investigate her complaint that was filed with the Human Resources Department, prompting Anderson to file charges with the EEOC. According to her lawsuit, Anderson resigned last June after she experienced disparaging behavior from other officers as well as Clarke’s continued harassment.
Though the city of Atlanta stated that Clarke’s actions were “unbecoming and unacceptable as a supervisor,” the city still closed the investigation stating intent to “follow-up with him regarding appropriate disciplinary action.”
The GA Employment Law Attorneys at Pankey & Horlock, LLC Can Help
If you believe that you have been the victim of discriminatory behavior or sexual harassment, it’s important that you understand your rights and what you are entitled to. You may be unsure as to whether or not you have the right to compensation or reinstatement of your job. Fortunately, the attorneys at Pankey & Horlock, LLC can help you to figure out whether your rights have been violated and can hold your employer and those responsible for such treatment accountable. At Pankey & Horlock, LLC, our attorneys understand the importance of such cases and are here to help. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!