Woman sues Cabell County Commission for intolerable work conditions

HUNTINGTON -- A former security officer is suing the Cabell County Commission after she claims she was forced to resign because of intolerable work conditions.

During Michelle Bailey's employment as a security officer, she performed her duties in a satisfactory manner and met the reasonable expectations of the Commission, according to a complaint filed April 7 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Bailey claims in 2008, C.A. Adams ran for the office of Cabell County Sheriff, but she politically supported one of his opponents in the race.

Adams became aware that Bailey supported his opponent and in fall 2008, Bailey became under his supervision, according to the suit.

Bailey claims almost immediately, Adams began to harass her concerning the color of her clothes, where she purchased her clothes, her shoes and other matters.

Adams did not treat male officers or younger officers in a similar fashion, according to the suit.

Bailey claims Adams reduced her work hours in half and scheduled substantially younger, less experienced male security officers to work instead.

The working conditions created by the defendant were so intolerable that a reasonable person would be compelled to quit, according to the suit.

Bailey claims due to the working conditions, she resigned from her employment on April 8, 2009.

The Cabell County Commission violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act by allowing Adams to harass her and discriminate against her, according to the suit.

Bailey is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre-judgment interest. She is being represented by Mark A. Atkinson and Paul L. Frampton Jr.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 11-C-207