Kanawha woman says DHHR case worker sexually harassed her

CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County woman is suing the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources after she claims a case worker sexually harassed her.

Robert Cramer, the case worker, was also named as a defendant in the suit.

Stacy Myers was receiving benefits from various WVDHHR programs and was assigned Cramer as her case worker, according to a complaint filed May 13 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Myers claims during a meeting with Cramer he asked her to expose her breasts and she felt pressure to comply or risk losing her benefits.

At the time of the event, Myers was attempting to obtain certain benefits and did not have all the necessary paperwork, according to the suit.

Myers claims the defendants' actions caused her emotional and mental distress.

Cramer's request was "outrageous given his position of authority and a clear breach of his duty and responsibility to plaintiff," the complaint states.

Myers claims the WVDHHR had a duty and responsibility to prevent such conduct by its employees.

The defendants were negligent and breached their duties to provide benefits without subjecting Myers to sexual advances, according to the suit.

Myers is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Paul M. Stroebel.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-780