Wendy’s manager alleges sexual harassment

MADISON — A former Wendy's employee from Boone County has sued her employer, alleging discriminatory practices.

Connie Harless of Danville filed a lawsuit Feb. 13 in Boone Circuit Court against: Employee Resource Group; Neighborhood Hospitality Inc.; Neighborhood Restaurants of West Virginia Inc.; Wendy’s International; and Charles Rice, alleging harassment and discrimination.

According to the complaint, Harless worked for the defendants as store manager and other positions from 1984 through January 2014, and employee Ronald Chafin sexually harassed her and possibly other female employees under her supervision.

The suit states Chafin’s behavior continued despite Harless' direct requests to cease, as well as reports to upper management. The plaintiff alleges the defendants intentionally retaliated against her by accusing her of poor work performance and, ultimately, terminated her Jan. 20, 2014.

According to the complaint, Harless lost her job due to her opposition of the company’s unlawful retaliatory practices. She alleges lost wages and benefits, aggravation, inconvenience and humiliation.

Harless seeks punitive damages, attorney fees and costs. She is represented by attorneys Harry Hatfield and Matthew Hatfield of Hatfield & Hatfield in Madison and Paul Frampton Jr. of Atkinson & Polak in Charleston.

Boone Circuit Court case number: 15-C-43