HUNTINGTON – A former employee of TLK Group LLC is suing the company and one of its employees, claiming she was fired after filing a sexual harassment complaint.
Erica Gagne filed suit on Dec. 23 in Cabell Circuit Court against TLK and Jeremy Criss, individually and as an agent of TLK, over claims that the defendants created a hostile work environment, wrongfully terminated the plaintiff and sexually harassed her.
Gagne was employed by TLK as a customer service representative and Criss was employed by TLK as the site director. Gagne claims as she was getting ready to leave a meeting in Criss' office on July 8, 2015, he allegedly proceeded to move close to her and act in an inappropriate manner, which violated personal boundaries. Gagne also claims that Criss said unsuitable things before she left.
Gagne claims that at no time did she allow or encourage Criss to act in such a manner. The plaintiff asserts that she became fearful for her job and also fearful of Criss. She allegedly reported the incident on July 22, 2015.
Gagne claims that even after she made the report, Criss continued to smile or smirk at her. On Aug. 21, 2015, Gange was terminated for excessive absences. She claims that she missed work because of the anxiety and fear of working with Criss, and presented a medical note stating as such. She said she received no response regarding the doctor’s note. When she asked about the status of the case, she also allegedly received no response.
Gagne claims that she was wrongfully terminated and that TLK failed to investigate the sexual harassment claims against Criss.
She is suing for damages including compensatory and punitive, attorney fees and costs, and any other rewards deemed just and fair by the court. She is represented by attorneys James D. McQueen Jr. and Ralph J. Hagy from McQueen Davis PLLC in Huntington. Judge Paul T. Farrell is hearing the case.
Cabell Circuit Court Case number 15-C-865