Hollister Police Department spokeswoman Rosie Betanio told the
Free Lance the department is not investigating former sheriff’s
office deputy’s harassment and nonconsensual sex claims – and that
any criminal investigation would likely come from the sheriff’s
office itself. DA Candice Hooper also said she was unaware of any
criminal probe.
HOLLISTER
A former sheriff’s deputy fired in November by the office has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination and nonconsensual sex with a colleague, according to the court document.
The former deputy filed the suit against San Benito County and the sheriff’s office employee in late December. She alleges in the lawsuit that she and another deputy had sex without her consent – two allegations are detailed, in December 2007 and February 2008 – and she contends there were several instances of sexual harassment within the office such as graphic text-messaging, inappropriate discussions and males changing in front of her.
The Free Lance is not naming the accused officer regarding the nonconsensual sex allegations because he has not been arrested or charged criminally. The newspaper is not naming the petitioner because she is alleging to be the victim of a sex crime.
Reached today, Sheriff Curtis Hill noted how the lawsuit petitioner no longer works for the office.
“And the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office can’t concern themselves with someone’s personal problems,” he said. “We are too busy doing good work in the community to get involved in someone’s personal drama.”
Asked whether the nonconsensual sex allegations had prompted a criminal investigation, Hill had this to say: “I have nothing else to say. That’s it. I have no further comment on the matter.”
Hollister Police Department spokeswoman Rosie Betanio told the Free Lance the department is not investigating the matter and that any criminal investigation would likely come from the sheriff’s office itself. District Attorney Candice Hooper also said she was unaware of any criminal probe of the allegations.
Regarding the harassment claims the petitioner’s attorney contended to the Free Lance that she was “pushed out” of her job.
“The sheriff’s department is a male-dominated culture currently, and we want to make it safe for females,” Hollister attorney William Marder said.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for alleged wrongful termination and sexual harassment, including the two allegations of nonconsensual sex. It alleges that while employed, she was subject to conduct that included:
– Being sent text messages of men’s genitals
– Being sent text messages with crude language about having sex
– No separate changing room or bathroom for females
– Men changing in front of her, showing themselves in their underwear
– Being sent obscene e-mails
– Co-workers openly discussing sex while in the workplace
– Sheriff’s personnel routinely having sexual relationships with other county employees
The lawsuit contends that she did not complain to supervisors, including about the nonconsensual sex allegations, because the sheriff’s office “had previously ignored complaints by women about sexual harassment.” It further alleges the office created a culture in which a woman who complained would be subject to retaliation.
Nonconsensual sex allegations
In the suit, she alleges that on Dec. 15, 2007, the deputy came over to her home, encouraged her to drink alcohol with him and then had sex with her without consent.
Also alleged in the lawsuit is that on Feb. 24, 2008, she attended a social event with the accused sheriff’s office employee, became intoxicated and went with others to his home. Once there, the document alleges, she went to the spare bedroom to sleep, and he entered the room and began touching her sexually.
The petitioner alleges in the suit that she told him, “Stop! Go away! This isn’t right!” but that he removed her clothes and had sex with her without her consent.
Her attorney addressed the second instance and why she was in the room.
“She thought it was safe because the wife was in the house and another law enforcement officer,” he said. “She felt she had to go these social functions to fit in.”
