Employees sue Lincoln County jailer for sexual harassment, discrimination

Eight employees are suing Lincoln County Jailer Robert Wilson for sexual harassment and sexual discrimination in the workplace.

The lawsuit claims Wilson also repeatedly pushed for quid pro quo sexual activities from May 2015 to the present.

The eight employees claim Wilson touched, hugged, and kissed them, made sexual advances and sexually suggestive comments.

The employees also claim Wilson sent them text messages and requested sexual favors, that he received and shared nude photographs of other women, including at least one employee.

"What's alleged is more than joking," said Edward Cooley, the attorney representing the jail staff. "Really crude, humiliating, and embarrassing statements and acts that are taking place.”

Wilson is accused of hiring, promoting, demoting, and scheduling employees based upon sexual favors and preferences.

Of the eight plaintiffs, seven are women, and one is a man.

The man says he was denied a promotion and demoted while Wilson instead favored a female employee.

In the lawsuit, the employees claim Wilson bragged that they could not do anything about his actions.

The plaintiffs are asking for a restraining order and a temporary injunction to keep Wilson from entering the Lincoln County Regional Jail, the jailer's office, or the plaintiffs' homes until the litigation is over.

The eight employees are also seeking a permanent injunction to protect them, other female employees, and prisoners from Wilson's actions.

Cooley says the workers took their concerns to other elected officials in Lincoln County, but he says nothing was done.

“In fact, [they were] led to believe that there was not much they could do because the jailer is an elected official,” Cooley said.

The group is also asking for the case to go to trial, as well as compensatory damages and punitive damages.

Cooley says since the lawsuit was filed, current and former employees have come forward with more complaints.

WKYT tried reaching out to Wilson but was told he wasn't in.

The Lincoln County judge-executive said he did not want to comment.

WKYT was told the county attorney was out of town.

Cooley said they would have to have a court hearing before any action is taken on the restraining order.