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WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Four lawsuits blame DHHR for alleged sexual harassment

Sexual harassment

CHARLESTON - Four lawsuits were filed against the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources alleging sexual harassment.

Lisa Dawn Clay, Crystal Halliwell, Tammy Roberts and Nola Lilly were employed by the defendant at Mildred Mitchell Bateman Hospital and Jackie Withrow Hospital, according to three complaints filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Clay claims on April 7, 2016, Freddie Webb began to sexually harass her and attempted to intimidate her.

Clay filed complaints with the chief executive officer and the Human Resources director of the DHHR.

Nonetheless, the inappropriate conduct continued and on June 28, 2016, Clay was constructively discharged from her employment, according to the suit.

Halliwell, Roberts and Lilly claim they were subjected to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment by Sam Thomas and they notified the defendant of the sexual harassment and hostile work environment.

Prior to the harassment, the defendant was on notice that Thomas had created a hostile work environment and had made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature in the workplace, however, the defendant responded inadequately to the situation, according to the suits.

The plaintiffs claim they were sexually harassed, which violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. Clay is being represented by Mark A. Atkinson of Atkinson & Polak; and W. Jack Stevens II of Stevens & Stevens. Halliwell, Roberts and Lilly are being represented by Paul L. Frampton of Atkinson & Polak.

Kanawha Circuit Court case numbers: 17-C-450, 17-C-462, 17-C-463, 17-C-464

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