Employee claims manager sexually assaulted her

The manager of Aaron Rentals in O'Fallon was sued in St. Clair County Circuit Court March 22, by a former employee who claims the manager sexually assaulted her.

Represented by David Cates of Swansea, Ashley Alford claims her Richard Moore, while working at Aaron's, began intentionally and inappropriately touching her by pinching her in November 2005.

Alford claims Moore's behavior included "groping her butt and chest."

She claims that during the fall of 2006, Moore fondled her in the office's stock room.

"Plaintiff did not consent to any such touching," the complaint states.

Alford claims Moore's alleged acts caused her to incur severe emotional distress in the past and future, past and future medical bills, and the loss of enjoyment of a normal life which may be permanent.

She is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 that will reasonably and adequately compensate her for her damages.

Aaron Rentals is not named as a defendant in the suit.