Woman sues dentist, former employer for sexual harassment

CHARLESTON -- A woman is suing her former employer and a dentist for sexual harassment and discrimination, among other things.

Tanya R. Stone was employed at Howard & Howard, DDS and trained to work as a dental assistant in May 2006, according to a complaint filed Nov. 10 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Stone claims during her employment she was forced to work in an office environment filled with references, materials, gestures, discussions and other activities, all of which were inappropriate and constituted a hostile work environment and sexual harassment.

During her employment, Stone claims she was also forced to endure pornographic materials in print, magazine and digital form in the workplace and was made to feel uncomfortable and offended by the workplace atmosphere.

According to the suit, Stone was subjected to unwelcomed physical touching by Dr. Richard L. Howard, a dentist, who allegedly repeatedly placed his hands around her neck while making inappropriate sexual comments.

Stone claims she was dismissed on Nov. 11, 2007, and that she was not the first female employee to have been forced to endure such a hostile work environment at the business.

Stone is suing for compensatory and punitive damages. Michael A. Olivio of Romano & Olivio is representing her.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 09-C-2103