NJ dentist sued by employee for unwanted sexual advances

A Branchburg, NJ dentist is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit from a former employee, claiming that the unwanted sexual attention and advances, which included kisses on the neck and breast groping, created a hostile workplace environment. Jacqueline Constantino, a receptionist, billing clerk, and radiologist who worked 20 hours a week for dentist Dr. Victoria Inglis, filed suit against her former employer in the Civil Division of Superior Court in Somerville, NJ.

Before January 2007, Constantino was a dedicated worker who Inglis occasionally invited to social events like shopping trips, lunches, and a dental conference. All of this changed starting January 3, when after a holiday party for the practice, Inglis followed Constantino into the woman’s room hugged her, kissed her neck, and told Constantino she loved her.

Later that month, on Jan. 23, 2007, Constantino arrived at work to find the office was closed and all the patient appointments canceled because a surprise party was being planned for Constantino's birthday.

Inglis then took Constantino shopping, out to lunch and to a spa. After leaving the spa, Inglis said she had a surprise for Constantino, blindfolded her, put her in a car, drove her to another location then escorted Constantino, still blindfolded, into a room, the suit alleges.

When the blindfold was removed, Constantino found herself in a darkened room at the Lambertville House that had lit candles. There was also soft music and chilled champagne.
Inglis then read to Constantino from M. Scott Peck's book, "The Road Less Travelled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth." Inglis then began to kiss Constantino's neck and touched her breast, the suit charges. Constantino once again resisted the advances, the suit alleges.

The lawsuit said that the harassment caused her “extreme emotional distress,” leading to her resignation “at a significant loss of income.”