Former Jefferson City parking enforcement officer sues city for sexual harassment, discrimination

A Jefferson City motorist enters the city's parking garage on Madison Street in this Jan. 23, 2017 file photo.
A Jefferson City motorist enters the city's parking garage on Madison Street in this Jan. 23, 2017 file photo.

A former Jefferson City parking enforcement officer is suing the city, accusing a city official of sexual harassment and disability discrimination and retaliation.

Plaintiff Lily Real worked as a parking enforcement officer for the city from July 2016 to March 11, 2019.

According to the April lawsuit, Real's supervisor, James "Buck" Wilson, subjected her to "repeated sexual harassment and discrimination."

The lawsuit states Wilson stared at Real's breasts and buttocks; told Real she was "getting too big" and to tuck in her shirt so "he could see her body better;" asked Real about her gynecological exams, sex life and vagina; tried to determine whether Real had a boyfriend and the nature of their sexual relationship; kept a photo of Real on his work computer desktop; and showed a photo of Real to coworkers and asked them to comment on her appearance.

Real claims in the lawsuit that she told Wilson to stop the harassment but it continued.

After Real complained to Public Works Department Director Matt Morasch and Operations Division Director Britt Smith about the harassment, the lawsuit states, the city opened an investigation into Real's complaints. Real allegedly was not interviewed as part of that investigation.

The investigation revealed Wilson had saved pornography, as well as a photo of Real, on his computer, according to the lawsuit.

Following the opening of the investigation, the lawsuit states, Wilson "ostracized" Real.

Real complained to Human Resources Department Director Gail Strope, but the harassment and retaliation continued, the lawsuit notes.

Real later developed migraines "as a result of working with Buck Wilson," the lawsuit states.

Due to Real's migraines, the lawsuit states, Wilson questioned her job proficiency, medication and therapy. Wilson would also harass Real when she used her annual or sick leave for her migraines, the lawsuit adds.

After Real complained about this harassment, the lawsuit states, she was "targeted for less favorable treatment," such as Wilson issuing written discipline to Real and disclosing her medical information to her coworkers.

The lawsuit states the city is liable to Real for Wilson's sexual harassment, discrimination against Real for her disability and "creation of a hostile work environment."

"The City failed to take prompt and effective remedial action against the harassment, in that the harassment continued unabated despite (Real's) complaints and the purported investigation," the lawsuit states.

Real requested a jury trial, asking the court to order the city to pay Real "an amount reasonable to compensate her for her actual damages" and the cost of litigation and attorney fees.

"We certainly believe that it's important for our public bodies to not only treat their employees with dignity and respect but to be good stewards of the public's trust, and Ms. Real was compelled to bring this action to protect her dignity and has to do so in court," said Nimrod Chapel Jr., who is representing Real.

Chapel is an attorney with The Chapel Law Group LLC.

City Counselor Ryan Moehlman told the News Tribune he could not comment on active litigation.