• 07
  • June
    2010

A female dispatcher at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's San Dimas station filed a claim against the county in mid-March, following her termination, alleging sexual harassment that lasted from February 2009 to March 2010. The officer named, Lieutenant Michael Rodriguez, was also accused of sexually assaulting the woman at her home in October 2009.

In addition to sexual harassment, the woman accused the county of wrongful termination. Though the lawsuit was dismissed in May, the allegations of sexual misconduct are still being investigated by the Sheriff's Internal Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Sheriff's deputies are currently investigating the dispatcher's claims of a sexual encounter, the more serious of the two charges. Once that investigation has concluded, they will move on to the accusations of sexual harassment. They will also be investigating whether the environment of the San Dimas station encouraged such behavior.

According to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, both Lieutenant Rodriguez and the San Dimas station captain have refused to comment on either the allegations or failed lawsuit. Rodriguez remains on desk duty at the Cerritos Station for the time being.

Sexual harassment can be a harrowing experience, preventing a female worker from ever feeling safe at her job. For those experiencing such unwarranted advances or remarks, it can be hard deciding what to do.

The most important thing to remember is that you have the right to say no. There is nothing an employer can do or say to force you into anything you are not comfortable with.

If he or she tries, the law is on your side.

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