WINFIELD — A Putnam County woman is suing he owners of a restaurant, alleging racial discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination.
Shelby Wilmoth filed a lawsuit Sept. 6 in Putnam Circuit Court against RMJ Ventures LLC, doing business as Fireside Grille in Putnam County, Robert Sydenstricker, Marc Brown and Judie Sydenstricker, alleging violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, Wilmoth, who is white, was racially and sexually harassed in a physical and verbal manner during her three years of employment at Fireside Grille. The suit says she suffered indignity, humiliation, embarrassment, emotional distress, lost wages and annoyance.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants created a hostile work environment, engaged in reprisal and other discriminatory actions, negligently promoted those who harassed her and constructively terminated her employment Aug. 1 because of her association with a black boyfriend.
Wilmoth seeks trial by jury, compensation for damages, pre-judgment interest, attorney fees and court costs and all other relief. She is represented by attorneys Mark A. Atkinson and JohnMark Atkinson of Atkinson & Polak PLLC in Charleston.
Putnam Circuit Court Case number 16-c-213