CHARLESTON – A former employee is suing Zales Jewelers and her supervisor after she claims she was sexually harassed during her employment.
In October 2012, Jordan Weisz began her employment with Zales as a sales associate, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
During Weisz's employment she was supervised by Richard Broyles, who she claims subjected her to a hostile work environment and sexual harassment.
Weisz claims the unwelcomed acts included physical touching and staring at her body; making inappropriate comments; directing inappropriate comments of a sexual and harassing nature toward her; and/or making inappropriate comments of a sexual and harassing nature.
The plaintiff refused the sexual advances made by Broyles, according to the suit.
Weisz claims Broyles created an intolerable and hostile work environment for her and that she reported Broyles' acts to Zales.
The defendants' actions violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act and caused Weisz to suffer lost wages and benefits because she was forced to quit her job so as not to endure the sexual harassment, according to the suit.
Weisz claims she also suffered embarrassment and humiliation.
The defendants' actions were willful, wanton and/or undertaken with reckless disregard and/or indifference to the rights of the plaintiff, according to the suit.
Weisz claims she was constructively discharged in February 2013.
Zales failed to properly supervise Broyles to ensure that he would not sexually harass and/or create a hostile work environment for employees who he supervised and/or managed, according to the suit.
Weisz is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Todd S. Bailess and Joy B. Mega of Bailess Law PLLC.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 15-C-54