Former Representative fined $3,000 in sexual harassment case

On Behalf of | May 18, 2014 | Sexual Harassment |

Everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable in their place of work. However, many workers in Indiana are faced with harassment and discrimination on a daily basis. A hostile work environment not only makes it difficult for an individual to do her job, it can affect her emotionally and lead to long-term damage to confidence and self-esteem.

Sexual harassment cases can be difficult to prove and take a long time to reach their conclusion. In Kentucky, one hearing has recently been reopened, resulting in a $3,000 fine for the accused. The allegations against him, which date back as far as 2009, suggest he sexually harassed a number of women in his employ, over the course of several years. An April hearing failed to find him guilty, but numerous calls prompted the decision for a retrial.

Amongst the accusations made are reports of the former Representative spanking a woman as she bent over to pick up some bottled water and grabbing another woman’s underwear as she climbed some steps. The women who have spoken out hope that others will now come forward with their experiences. The attorney for the defense has condemned the retrial as having been unnecessary. He further attributes the accused’s actions to degenerative dementia, among other health issues.

This case may have arisen in another state, but sexual harassment in the workplace is a problem in many places, including Indiana. If you or someone you know have been subjected to a hostile work environment, you should not have to suffer in silence. Responsible parties must be held to account for their actions, so they can’t continue to behave unethically. An attorney’s advice may help you build your case and work toward a fair and favorable resolution.

Source: The State Journal, “ETHICS COMMISSION FINES REP. ARNOLD $3K AFTER REOPENING SEXUAL HARASSMENT HEARING,” Kevin Wheatley, May 8, 2014

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