Women sue Buckle, manager for sexual harassment

CHARLESTON -- Two women are suing their former employer and its manager in separate lawsuits after they claim they were sexually harassed.

Samantha White and Simona Southall were employed by the Buckle and claim Dave Whitfield subjected them and other co-workers to unwelcome, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, according to two complaints filed Feb. 18 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

White and Southall were discharged from their employment by Whitfield "because of a bad attitude," according to the suits.

Both women claim the Buckle failed to adequately investigate the sexual harassment allegations against Whitfield.

White and Southall are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. John Einreinhofer is representing them.

White's case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey. Southall's case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib Jr.

Kanawha Circuit Court case numbers: 10-C-314 and 10-C-315