Woman sues Casto Technical Services for sexual harassment

CHARLESTON - A former employee is suing Casto Technical Services Inc. after she claims she endured sexual harassment by her supervisor.

Chastity R. Crihfield was employed by Casto from October 2002 until Dec. 11, according to a complaint filed July 22 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Crihfield claims she was sexually harassed during her employment.

From 2006 until 2010, Tom Epps was Crihfield's supervisor and during her employment he subjected her to repeated incidents of sexual abuse, including grabbing her buttocks and breasts, according to the suit.

Crihfield claims Joe Linville, another Casto employee, also sexually harassed her.

When Crihfield complained about Linville, she was told to quit complaining and document Linville's actions, according to the suit.

Crihfield claims the defendant failed and refused to take action to protect her against the hostile work environment.

The defendant's failure to take reasonable steps to correct the actions and conduct created an intolerable environment, thereby constructively discharging Crihfield from her employment, according to the suit.

Crihfield is seeking compensatory damages. She is being represented by Walt Auvil of Rusen & Auvil PLLC.

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

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-1360