By KYLA ASBURY
HUNTINGTON - Two lawsuits have been filed against Cracker Barrel Old Country Store after two employees claim they were subjected to sexual harassment by their supervisor.
David Deerfield, an employee of Cracker Barrel, was also named as a defendant in the suit.
Rebecca Gregory and Vicky Smith were employed by Cracker Barrel and supervised by Deerfield, according to two complaints filed in Cabell Circuit Court.
Gregory and Smith claim during their employment they were subjected to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment by Deerfield.
Deerfield followed both women into the restroom, shut and locked the door and impeded their ability to leave. He then restrained them in a bounded area without justification or consent.
Gregory and Smith claim Deerfield also touched them inappropriately without permission and his conduct was unwelcome.
Cracker Barrel is liable for the actions of its employee because his actions were done within the scope of his employment, according to the suits.
Gregory and Smith claim the defendants actions were willful, wanton, malicious and/or undertaken with reckless disregard and/or reckless indifference to their rights.
Gregory and Smith are seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre-judgment interest. They are being represented by Paul L. Frampton Jr. of Atkinson & Polak PLLC.
Cabell Circuit Court case numbers: 15-C-295, 15-C-300