CHARLESTON – A Kanawha County nonprofit is alleged to have discriminated against a former employee because of her disability.
Sandra Wilson filed a complaint Oct. 18 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Members Choice WV FCU and Stephanie Rippetoe alleging that they violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff was hired as receptionist by the defendants on Aug. 4, 2016. The suit states she suffers from serious medical conditions, including bipolar disorder and Graves Disease.
In February, the suit states the plaintiff took seven weeks of medical leave and her work conditions changed. She alleges Rippetoe monitored the plaintiff's personal bank account with Members Choice while she was on leave and that Rippetoe harassed her when she returned.
The suit states on Aug. 23, the plaintiff resigned because of the defendants' alleged harassment and discrimination.
The plaintiff holds Members Choice WV FCU and Rippetoe responsible because the defendants allegedly discriminated against her based on her disabilities and constructively discharged her.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensatory, general and punitive damages, litigation costs, interest and any further relief that may be available under the law. She is represented by Robert B. Warner and Phillip Estep of Warner Law Offices PLLC in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 17-C-1435