Putnam Co. woman accuses Keith's Kitchen of sexual discrimination

WINFIELD – A Putnam County woman is suing over claims she was terminated from her job after proclaiming her intent to get married.

Angela R. Hatfield filed a lawsuit Aug. 20 in Putnam Circuit Court against Keith's Kitchens Inc. and Charles Lavender, citing gender discrimination.

According to the complaint, Hatfield was employed by Keith's Kitchens under general manager Lavender from Jan. 2, 2012, until May 20, during which time she was subjected to comments from Lavender with sexual innuendo, the open display of pornography and other inappropriate actions.

Hatfield says when she informed her employer she was about to get married, Lavender told her not to because it would make her less attractive to male customers, but Hatfield responded she did not intend to succumb to any overtures she experienced at work, including from Lavender.

The complaint states Hatfield was called into Lavender's office May 20 and her employment was terminated under a false pretense.

Hatfield is seeking damages and costs.

She is being represented in the case by attorney Harvey D. Peyton of Peyton Law Firm PLLC in Nitro. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Phillip M. Stowers.

Putnam Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-226