Sexual Harassment Scandal Involving Councilman Rocks Orange County

Santa Ana, CA- Allegations of sexual harassment, assault and false imprisonment are rocking the California city of Santa Ana, leading to the arrest of a prominent councilman.

Carlos Bustamante, a former administrator for the Public Works Department and councilman, is at the center of the scandal after seven women accused him of prevalent sexual harassment and assault spanning an eight year period.

The women accuse Bustamante of abusing his power to intimidate them. They allege that he would lure them into his office at the Public Works Department under the guise of discussing work-related matters. While in his office the women allege he would try to hug and kiss them and tried to press certain body parts into theirs.  He also allegedly masturbated in front of them

In some instances, Bustamante would lock the office door not allowing the women to leave. He even boasted that his office was sound-proofed so if they screamed no one would hear them.

The women were reluctant to speak out because they feared their jobs.

Abuse of power is fairly common in instances of workplace abuse. People in high positions threaten employees into compliance by threatening their jobs or promising the victims raises or promotions in exchange for sexual favors. Victims of this quid pro quo harassment must seek out a sexual harassment attorney to stop their abusive bosses.

Bustamante was arrested on charges of sexual assault, false imprisonment and a single count of stalking.

Fear of losing a job is a common reason men and women are reluctant to complain about sexual harassment. Employers frequently fail to take the allegations seriously or fail to act on the abusive employee. When this happens, the harassed must get the assistance of a sexual harassment lawyer to end the misconduct.

The skills of a sexual harassment attorney make it possible for the complainant to stop the unwanted behavior and obtain compensation for their emotional distress.