Longview company sued for allowing sexual harassment

MARSHALL - A female employee has filed a lawsuit against Longview company claiming that after she complained about sexual harassment her workload was doubled and she was denied a raise.

Claiming violations of her civil rights, Lydia Mireles filed suit against Timbercrest on Oct. 8 in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.

Mireles states that during the course of her employment with the defendant she was subjected to sexual advances from the regional maintenance supervisor. According to the lawsuit, he frequently made offensive sexual comments and intentionally rubbed or grabbed Mireles. She claims that after she complained about the behavior her workload was doubled and she was denied a raise.

The defendant is accused of unlawful and systematic exclusion of and discrimination against Mireles by failing to equalize conditions of employment; adopting unreasonable, unwarranted and arbitrary standards and conditions of employment and advancement; failing to promote Mireles to a higher and better paying position as comparably trained and qualified males; subjected Mireles to a sexually hostile working environment; and retaliating against Mireles after she complained of sexual harassment in the workplace.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of actual, compensatory damages for back and front pay, liquidated damages, damages for mental distress, emotional pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and court costs.

Mireles is represented by Tyler attorney William S. Hommel Jr. and Dallas attorney Joel E. Cohen. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-00642