Fired worker claims sexual harassment

A woman who claims she suffered humiliation, nervousness, problems with her husband, sleep deprivation and loss of concentration filed a sexual harassment suit against her former employer in Madison County Circuit Court July 6, seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

Teri Bonvicino claims Security Services of America fired her after making allegations of sexual harassment against the branch manager, Terrance Stoehner.

Bonvicino, the office manager, claims that on May 24 and May 30 through June 6, 2006, Stoehner physically and sexually assaulted her by placing his hands on her abdomen and back.

She also claims he pushed her forward and made sexual comments to other employees about his desires for her, despite her protests.

"Mr. Stoehner made repeated sexual comments, threats and intimidating comments after Bonvicino had notified defendant's head office Human Resources Manager creating a hostile and intimidating work place by his harassment," the complaint alleges.

Bonvicino claims her employer failed to correct or remediate the conduct of Stoehner in violation of federal and state statutes that protect people of harassment in the workplace.

She is represented by Robert Wilson of Granite City.

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