Missouri Election Official Facing More Allegations in Sexual Harassment Suit

County Elections Director Rich Chrismer has been accused of giving three former employees substandard reviews and were denied pay raises for their involvement in the a sexual harassment lawsuit against him.

In October of last year, Mary Benefield, a former program specialist, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit, alleging Chrismer, alleging he created a hostile work environment by stalking, and groping her. She also accused him of making offensive and unwanted comments about her body and clothing.

After Benefield filed her lawsuit, Chrismer gave her unfavorable performance reviews; she was later transferred to the county prosecutor’s office.

Three employees corroborated Benefield’s allegations also faced retaliation in the form of negative evaluations though they had favorable ones in the past.

When a person retains a sexual harassment attorney or contacts the EEOC to file a suit they are often subjected to retaliation which is strictly forbidden by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If retaliation occurs, those targeted have the right to seek damages for lost wages.

No one should be forced to suffer through unwanted sexual touching or comments in the workplace. When harassment victims try to stop the abuse by reporting to their supervisors but are ignored they often feel they have no other option that to turn to a sexual harassment lawyer.

People who are victimized by workplace harassment often suffer great emotional distress which can affect them for the long term. These people deserve to be compensated for the abuse they have suffered and with the assistance of a sexual harassment attorney they will get the settlement they are entitled to.