$340,000 Settlement of Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Suit in Florida

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June 12th, 2007

"Florida Sexual Harassment Suit Settled"

A federal lawsuit against the city of Frostproof, Florida by a former assistant city manager was settled recently for $340,000. Stella Heath contended that she was sexually harassed in the workplace by former City Manger Elly Johnson in 2005, and that after she filed a sexual harassment complaint, the city retaliated against her. The settlement included $6,188 in unpaid wages for Heath, and $309,000 from the city's insurance company.

The city of Frostproof fired Elly Johnson in August 2005, and he died last year in North Carolina. Heath, 46, is currently working as a sales and marketing representative in Bartow, Florida for Railroad Distribution Service. Heath and her attorney Andrea Smith of Peterson & Myers in Lakeland, Florida declined to comment on the settlement. They released the following statement:

"Stella Heath and the City of Frostproof have resolved their lawsuit. Mrs. Heath and the City reached an amicable settlement on the two-year anniversary date of former City Manager Elly Johnson’s hire. Mrs. Heath would like to convey her deepest appreciation for all the support she and her family received from friends and members of the community. Mrs. Heath and the City can now put this matter behind them and move forward. Mrs. Heath continues to work in the community towards making sure that the City flourishes with new business and growth. She wishes the City and the members of its community the best of luck.''

(Source: theledger.com)

Have you been the target of sexual harassment or retaliation? Contact an experienced civil rights attorney to represent your legal interests.