WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

An Ohio County couple have filed suit against a corporation and an Ohio County woman, alleging a sexual encounter forced the man to leave his job.

Michael and Dierdra Stan claim Michael worked at Orkin more than 10 years when he alleges he caught his supervisor, Betty Littleton, having a sexual physical encounter in the front office of Orkin with a man who was not her husband.

Michael reported the incident to the branch supervisor, Nick Rogers, according to the complaint filed Aug. 22 in Ohio County Circuit Court.

Michael believed the incident violated the provision of the West Virginia Human Rights Act concerning hostile sexual work environments, the suit states.

Michael claims after he made the reports, Littleton began making his schedule. He claims he was forced to work between eight and 14 hours each day and his previous work days consisted of eight to 10 hours.

He also claims his normal route was changed, which caused him to drive longer distances.

"The actions of the Defendants in retaliating against Michael Stan caused him such severe emotional distress that he could no longer reasonably work at his job at Orkin, Inc.," the complaint states.

The couple alleges Littleton's actions were malicious, willful, wanton, reckless and with criminal indifference to Michael's rights.

Michael claims he has suffered compensatory damages.

Dierdra claims she has suffered loss of consortium.

The Stans are seeking a judgment for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, litigation costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and court costs.

They are represented by Ronald Kasserman of Kasserman Law Offices in Wheeling.

Ohio County Circuit Court case number: 08-C-349.