EDWARDSVILLE — A suit alleges Walmart did not take any action to prevent a 16-year old cashier from being sexually harassed by a 68-year co-worker.
G.L. on behalf of Jane Doe, filed a complaint June 24 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Ray E. Leezy and Walmart Inc., alleging battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and gender discrimination.
According to her complaint, Jane Doe began working at the Collinsville Walmart as a cashier on Oct. 31, 2019, when she was 16 years old. Doe alleges Leezy, who was 68 years old at the time and employed as a maintenance worker, made inappropriate sexual comments, including asking her to sit on his lap. Doe further alleges Leezy touched her hair, waist and hips several times and grabbed and kissed her while at work. According to the suit, he was "arrested for his inappropriate behavior."
The plaintiffs claim Leezy had previous incidents of "pursuing young, female employees" and that Doe never consented to his actions. They also claim Walmart was negligent for failing to discipline and failing to fire Leezy after reports of his prior sexual harassment of young female employees. Walmart also allegedly failed to implement policies and procedures to address sexual harassment in the workplace.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $50,000 and all other proper relief. They are represented by W. Wylie Blair and Breanna Hunt of Onder Law LLC in St. Louis and Lauren Kruskall of Jungle Law in Kansas City, Mo.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-000737