Sheriff Accused of Sexual Harassment

Employees typically trust that when they go to work, they will be treated fairly and respectfully. While that is true in the majority of workplaces, there are some instances where that is not the case. Some workers have superiors or other co-workers who may be unfairly discriminatory or create a work environment where not every employee feels safe and welcome. Fortunately, there are laws here in California and around the country meant to give employees recourse when they encounter these situations. One out-of-state law enforcement oversight committee made the recent choice to revoke the certification of one of its sheriffs who was accused of sexual harassment.

Local reports state that late last year, the sheriff confessed to seven different incidents of sexual harassment at his place of work. He was accused of putting sexually-explicit items on display where employees could see them and also commenting inappropriately on employees’ personal lives. Commissioners on the oversight board heard the sheriff’s statements and made the choice to take away his certification.

The sheriff decided to appeal the board’s decision. His case came before his state’s judicial circuit. The judge there sent the case back to the committee in order to consider alternative punishment, possibly a suspension instead of revocation. However, the oversight board decided to uphold its decision.

It is fortunate that this particular case had support from an official committee, but employees in other industries don’t always have that option available, and even when they do, the board may not agree with them. No one should ever have to face sexual harassment at work, and those who do have legal options of which they may not be aware. A California employment law attorney can be a valuable ally in these sorts of instances.