CHARLESTON — A woman is suing the West Virginia Health and Human Resources Department for sexual harassment and abuse by one of its employees.
Phillip Bryant was also named as a defendant in the suit.
Lisa Daniels because the foster parent for her infant grandson and had various interactions with the DHHR regarding her grandchildren, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Daniels claims in July 2020, Bryant made two home visits to her residence and on those visits, he made unwelcome sexual advances. On his second visit, the sexual harassment escalated to sexual abuse in the first degree when he made sexual contact with Daniels without her consent.
Despite reports being made about Bryant's behavior, he continued his attempts to contact the plaintiff and advised her that he was aware of the complaints she made, according to the suit.
Daniels is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is represented by Kurt E. Entsminger and Phillip Estep of Estep Entsminger Law Group.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 21-C-225
