Girl sues employer for harassment after 5 days at work

A minor girl has filed suit against her former employer and co-worker, alleging the manager harassed her and forced her to quit.

In addition, she claims her employer never paid her for work she performed, according to recently filed court documents.

Sherry Smith, as next friend of a minor girl identified only as M.B.S., claims M.B.S. began working as a sales person for defendant Light N Go at one of its kiosks at Parkdale Mall in Beaumont in the summer of 2010.

During her work for Light N Go, M.B.S. began to be harassed by a fellow employee and manager, defendant Shane Atul Joshi, who is referred to as Alexander throughout the suit, according to the complaint filed Jan. 26 in Jefferson County District Court.

"During the course of her five day employment, the minor Plaintiff was harassed, groped and threatened by 'Alexander,'" the suit states. "Because minor Plaintiff could not protect or defend herself, she quit work."

After terminating her employment, M.B.S. was never paid for the five days she worked, the complaint says.

Because of the harassment, M.B.S. suffered mental anguish and lost her enjoyment for life, according to the complaint.

In her complaint, Smith blames Light N Go for negligently failing to properly train, interview and hire supervisors and for failing to do a complete background check on its employees.

She claims Joshi violated M.B.S.'s rights, violated wage and pay rules and regulations and caused M.B.S. damages.

In her complaint, Smith is seeking an unspecified judgment, plus interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

E. Hart Green of Weller, Green, Toups and Terrell in Beaumont and John M. Morgan of Harris, Duesler and Hatfield in Beaumont will be representing her.

The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.

Case No. D189-262