A former Mt. Vernon (Ala., pop. 1,536) police dispatcher has filed a federal lawsuit claiming a co-worker sent her sexually harassing emails in 2009, posted the emails on a department bulletin board and stalked her, and that police and city officials took no action when she complained. Francie Hollis, 36, says she resigned as a result of the actions, and is asking for unspecified damages, including back pay, reinstatement or an award of money. Both William Cannon, the dispatcher Hollis names in the lawsuit, and mayor Jerry Lundy deny Hollis’ account of the incidents and her allegations. The lawsuit also names police chief Joseph Cassidy. Cannon admits he sent Hollis emails, but that they were with encouragement from her and intended to assist her during her health problems. Hollis also says the town’s mayor subjected her to sexual harassment by making “lewd comments about sex acts, indicating his desire ego engage in such acts with Plaintiff.” Hollis says the behavior created a “hostile environment and culture which allowed Mr. Cannon to continue to subject Plaintiff to his unwanted advances,” the lawsuit states. As a result of all this, Hollis suffered, “economic loss, emotional distress, humiliation and embarrassment.” Read more about the lawsuit here, and download (pdf) the EEOC and lawsuit court documents here. Update: Hollis and five other defendants settled the lawsuit in late April 2012 for $74,000, according to a news account.
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