WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington has been sued for sexual harassment by a former employee.
The suit was filed on Tuesday by Regina Parks, who worked in the sheriff’s office for six years as the former compliance officer and community outreach director.
In the 21-page lawsuit, Parks claimed Washington harassed her on a “routine basis.”
The lawsuit alleges that Washington once called Parks into his office, where he hugged her and kissed her on the lips. He is also accused of touching and striking Parks’ buttocks several times and rubbing and touching her stomach and thighs over and under her clothing.
The complaint also said Washington allegedly repeatedly made lewd and sexual comments about her appearance and body, including that he “didn’t know she had all that back there,” that she was “really wearing that outfit,” and that she would look more sexually attractive if she gained weight.
She also claimed Washington shared an unsolicited explicit video with her. When she asked why he showed her the video, he allegedly said, “you have to share the love.”
In the lawsuit, Parks said she made it clear to Washington his repeated advances were unwelcome by swatting his hands away and asking him to stop.
Parks was let go from her position last November. She says it was in retaliation after she brought her accusations to the sheriff’s chief of staff.
The sheriff’s office sent Local 4 a statement Tuesday night:
“In what is a typical legal stunt, this lawsuit was apparently filed at the end of business today. We have not been served nor had the opportunity for a legal review. When that review is complete, there will be plenty to say.”
Communications Director, Wayne County Sheriff’s Department Mara MacDonald
