Case details

Plaintiff: Supervisor continually sexually harassed her

SUMMARY

$150000

Amount

Settlement

Result type

Not present

Ruling
KEYWORDS
emotional distress, mental, psychological
FACTS
Plaintiff Wendy Schwartzenberger, a civilian community services officer for the Concord Police Department, claimed that Lt. Robin Heinemann sexually harassed her several times during the 6.5 years she was supervised by her. Schwartzenberger sued Heinemann and her employers, the city of Concord and the city of Concord Police Department. She alleged that Heinemann’s actions constituted sexual harassment, assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress, which created a hostile work environment. Schwartzenberger claimed that in 2004, Heinemann pulled her into a picture with one of the Neighborhood Partnership groups and exclaimed how she wanted to have a threesome with her in the middle. She also claimed that Heinemann asked her to accompany her for dinner and to enjoy a sexual act with her. She further claimed that her supervisor would show her underwear her underwear on several occasions. Schwartzenberger further claimed that in 2007 and 2009, Heinemann touched her on her behind. Plaintiff’s counsel contended that, overall, in the 6.5 years as Schwartzenberger’s supervisor Heinemann hugged and kissed her at least 100 times. Counsel further contended that Heinemann made numerous inappropriate inquiries into Schwartzenberger’s private, personal life, including asking her about sexual partners. Defense counsel contended that an investigation into the allegations was done, but that it was found that Schwartzenberger was not credible and that her allegations were not substantiated., Schwartzenberger claimed that she suffered emotional distress from the years of harassment, leading her to visit a psychotherapist. She also claimed that she lost earnings, bonuses and employment opportunities as a result of the harassment. The plaintiff is still employed by the Concord Police Department.
COURT
Superior Court of Contra Costa County, Martinez, CA

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