Woman sues Shoney's, employee for sexual harassment

CHARLESTON -- A former employee is suing Shoney's after she was sexually harassed and assaulted by another employee.

Kathleen Hancock worked at Shoney's as a waitress at its Dunbar location, according to a complaint filed Oct. 25 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Hancock claims during her employment, Bobby Moss repeatedly sexually harassed her and created a hostile work environment by requesting sexual favors, requesting her to perform sexual acts, making abusive sexual comments, repeatedly talking about his sexual desires and improperly grabbing and touching her body in an unwelcome fashion.

During her employment, Hancock repeatedly complained to management about the harassment and Shoney's failed to do anything about it, according to the suit.

Hancock claims she was subjected to continued workplace harassment and sexual assault in the form of abusive and obscene comments, degrading comments and illegal touching and grabbing.

The defendants knowingly failed to correct the hostile work environment, despite repeated requests and complaints by Hancock, according to the suit.

Hancock is seeking punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by John W. Alderman III.

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

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-1906