EDWARDSVILLE — An African American woman who worked for Frito Lay claims she faced sexual harassment and racial discrimination from her supervisors.
Whitney Merrifield filed a complaint Dec. 8 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Frito Lay Inc., alleging violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, Merrifield began working for Frito Lay at its Granite City facility in November 2017. She alleges that from December 2019 through March 2020, she faced "unwelcome sexual conduct" from her direct supervisor, Miguel Meldonalo. Merrifield specifically claims that Meldonalo called her "honey" and "baby" on several occasions. She also claims that on one occasion she bent down to pick up something when Meldonalo touched her buttock.
Additionally, the plaintiff alleges supervisors referred to her "using racial insults." Merrifield claims she reported the alleged conduct to another supervisor, but no actions were taken to remedy what she alleges was a hostile work environment.
She was terminated on April 7 by Meldonalo, according to her suit. Merrifield claims she has suffered depression, "extreme" mental anguish and anxiety, as well as damage to her reputation as a result of the alleged discrimination she faced at Frito Lay.
Merrifield seeks compensation of more than $50,000 and all other proper relief. She is represented by Brian Wendler and Angie Zinzilieta of Wendler & Zinzilieta PC in Edwardsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 20-L-0011731