Cosmetic saleswoman’s lawsuit against Dillard’s settles

St. Clair County Circuit Judge Robert LeChien on Feb. 21 dismissed a cosmetics saleswoman’s lawsuit against Dillard’s.

Svetlana Elkins sued Dillard’s and fragrance manager Hancy Grimes on Dec. 12 in St. Clair County.

Elkins’ attorney filed a motion to dismiss on Feb. 20, stating the case had been settled, though details were not available in the court record.

According to the complaint, Elkins started working as a salesperson for Falic Fashion Group in October 2011, and was assigned to sell fragrance products in major retail stores around the area.

On May 6, Elkins was reportedly assigned to the Dillard’s store in Fairview Heights.

Elkins claimed that while she was working in the fragrance department that day she was approached by Grimes, who allegedly began yelling, pointing her finger and positioning herself in a manner Elkins called “threatening.”

Later, Elkins alleged, Grimes returned to the fragrance counter with an armed security officer and another Dillard’s manager. Elkins alleged the security officer asked if she wanted to go to jail or to the store’s security office. Elkins stated that she did not want to be arrested so she was taken to the office and told to sit in a chair reserved for detainees.

Elkins claimed she asked what she had done wrong but did not receive a response, was not allowed to make a phone call and was threatened with being taken to the St. Clair County jail. Instead, she was allegedly escorted to her car, told to leave and never return.

She requested at least $50,000 in damages for medical care and court costs.

Attorney Greg Roosevelt of Edwardsville represented Elkins.

Dean L. Worley was listed in the lawsuit as assistant general counsel for Dillard’s at its headquarters in Little Rock, Ark.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 12-L-658