Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.metro From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Female deputy target of harassment probe Date: Wed, 18 Nov 92 16:10:35 EST Message-ID: \SE B;METROPOLITAN \HD Female deputy target of harassment probe \BY Lorraine Woellert \CR THE WASHINGTON TIMES A female Fairfax County deputy sheriff is under investigation and could be fired for sexually harassing two of her male colleagues, Sheriff Carl Peed said yesterday. Sheriff Peed said his department has been investigating reports that the female deputy touched or attempted to touch the genitals of two male deputies on at least two occasions. The investigator has recommended that the woman, who has been with the department for more than six years, be fired, Sheriff Peed said. He said he will make a decision in the next week. "This is unusual. In most cases, men don't complain. I guess they're afraid people will think they're wimps or something," the sheriff said. "They have to realize they don't have to take it either." He said complaints of sexual or racial harassment are rare at the Fairfax County Courthouse, but a woman being accused of sexual harassment is unprecedented. The incident was first reported by a county employee who witnessed the deputy approaching the men from behind and trying to touch their genital areas. When questioned, the victims admitted the incidents had occurred. "The male deputies were embarrassed and reluctant to come forward," Sheriff Peed said. "It was obvious sexual harassment. We don't tolerate that kind of behavior either from our males or from our females." In response to the complaints, Sheriff Peed last week requested the county Office of Equity Programs to help train Sheriff's Office employees on sexual-harassment issues. In the late 1980s, the Sheriff's Office initiated a policy that prohibits "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature." About three years ago, a Sheriff's Office employee was fired for sexual harassment. A year later another was suspended for three days after sexual-harassment complaints. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM