Former employee sues Arc of the Three Rivers, two individuals for sexual harassment

CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County woman is suing Arc of the Three Rivers, its executive director and chief financial officer for sexual harassment.

Elisha F. Rawlings was employed by the defendants and claims during her employment she was intentionally and negligently subjected to sexual harassment and sexual hostility in the workplace, according to a complaint filed March 5 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Rawlings claims on April 28, 2008, Craig Wagoner, the executive director of Arc of the Three Rivers, questioned her about her personal life and asked her questions that made her feel uncomfortable.

On Nov. 24, 2008, Greg Sizemore, the chief financial officer of Arc of the Three Rivers, stated that he didn't like to hire single mothers because they bring drama with them to work, according to the suit.

In January 2009, Rawlings claims she complained to the director of human resources and board members concerning the sexual harassment and gender discrimination and her intent to file a grievance with the board regarding the matters.

"As an act of reprisal for threatening to file a grievance...the defendants wrongfully terminated Rawlings' employment," according to the complaint.

Rawlings is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Samuel F. Hanna of the Hanna Law Office.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib Jr.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-418