A second lawsuit has been filed against the city of Orange, New Jersey. A female employee claims that she was subjected to unwanted sexual advances and other forms of harassment by former police director Hakim Sims.
The employee filed a lawsuit in Essex County Superior Court on Oct. 2, 2015. The suit indicates that while she was working in the city’s Division of Community Affairs, she was repeatedly being sexually harassed by Sims. She also alleges that Sims frequently “touched her body without permission and made statements about having sex with him.”
Mayor Dwayne Warren and Division of Community Affairs Director Adrienne Wooten have also been listed in the suit as defendants. The plaintiff alleges that both individuals either observed the purported harassment or were advised about it, but did nothing to put an end to it.
According to the plaintiff, in the midst of the “despicable conduct” caused by Sims, a hostile work environment was created; because of this, she continues to experience post-traumatic stress disorder.
The woman has not been identified by media sources because she has been the alleged victim of a sex crime.
The first lawsuit was filed back in January of last year when a veteran female police officer accused Sims of sexual harassment and also indicated she was subject to retaliation after she complained. The same police officer alleged that Sims made constant sexual advances toward her as well as inappropriate remarks; including a comment he made saying she “reminds him of a porn star.” The complaint was filed in Essex County Court also.
Sims’ was suspended in May of last year with pay after an investigation; but he chose to retire at that time. Sims has filed a tort claim against the city and the female lieutenant in the amount of $2.5 million. He calls the claims “patently false” and says that she is conspiring against him with former mayor Eldridge Hawkins Jr., with whom Sims has openly campaigned against.
Have you or someone you know been experiencing sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace?
It’s important that you remember:
Everyone is entitled to work in a peaceful job environment and your employer has a legal obligation to make that happen.
If someone or something is making you feel uncomfortable at work, then it’s essential that you speak about it to Human Resources or the appropriate individual(s) in charge. If nothing changes, then it’s necessary to take further action.
Contact an employment law attorney; one that is experienced in employment law so that your attorney can help you with taking the next step in successfully getting the unlawful issues in your work environment resolved.
At the law firm of DEREK T. SMITH LAW GROUP, PLLC, we are passionate about fighting for your employment law rights and bringing you justice.
No one should be subjected to working in a hostile job environment. If you have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment, discrimination or a hostile job environment, then you should immediately contact an NYC, NJ, PA employment law attorney at the Derek Smith Law Group PLLC.
Call us today and schedule your FREE Consultation. You can reach us online or by calling 877-469-5297. We serve clients throughout New York, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We also have offices in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Miami to serve you.
