A Fresno, CA boss was sentenced to 10 days jail, 20 days in a work program and four years probation Wednesday, January 26 for taking indecent photos of one of his female employees in December 2009. 51 year old insurance company owner Wellman Shew was convicted of misdemeanor peeping after he was found with "disturbing" images on his work computer. If Shew violates his probation, he will be sent to prison and the four years he is scheduled to spend on the sex offender registry will become life.
Police later searched Shew's business on North Cedar Avenue near Alluvial Avenue and found a video that showed a female employee using the restroom. Police said officers also found a fake plant on top of the toilet with a secret compartment and two boxes with holes on the side.
In court Wednesday, [prosecutor Tim]Galstan, a deputy district attorney, informed the judge that there could be multiple victims, because Shew had told police that he was not fixated on just the victim in this case. "I just kind of rotate from people to people," Shew said, according to Galstan.
Just before sentencing, Shew told Judge Dennis Peterson in Fresno County Superior Court that his actions stemmed from a porn addiction, and "Hopefully, she will find in her heart to forgive me." Defense attorney Michael Idiart said that his client has tried to make amends by attending marital counseling, paying a civil settlement, and that "He accepts his punishment and wants to move forward."
The victim also made a statment to the court, asking Judge Peterson to make her peeper register as a sex offender. "Knowledge is power - I want future employees to know what he did." Peterson, when announcing his sentence, cited the vulnerability of the victim and the "sophistication and planning" of the unlawful recording.
Showing posts with label bosses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bosses. Show all posts
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Chief Master Sergeant sentenced to 20 months for sexual harassment of subordinates
Gurney pleaded guilty to seven charges of dereliction of duty for failing to maintain a professional relationship with seven female subordinates, one violation of wrongful misuse of government property, one violation of indecent conduct with a female master sergeant and four violations of committing adultery with four female subordinates, according to a news release from the 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs team at Scott.
Gurney entered the blind plea because he was“derelict in misusing his position by consensually exchanging explicit pictures with female subordinates and by fondling or kissing them.” He also sexted, kissed, and fondled female subordinates, and had sex with his wife with a married subordinate present.
According to prosecutor Capt. Tania Bryant, “As a chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, it was his responsibility to lead, mentor and guide his enlisted troops,” she said. “How did he do that? He abused his position, marred the reputation of AFMC and blackened the eye of the Air Force.”
Defense attorney Maj. Lance Wood said the misconduct was“almost exclusively about mutual affairs with adult women” and that Gurney took “moral and legal responsibility” for his crimes.
However, prosecuting Maj. Patricia Gruen showed photos of Gurney's penis, a photo he sent to a senior airman. Gruen said that that photo, and not his stripes, “was how Chief Gurney chose to represent himself and the U.S. Air Force..He was out there as one of the Air Force’s very, very, very, very best,” she said. “He was Superman. They were flattered and they couldn’t imagine a command chief paid any attention to them, much less directed attention to their careers. But this Superman charged for his services, and he ultimately charged a price they wouldn’t pay.”
During a speech just before sentencing, Gurney said “I essentially lived a double life in which my actions were not those of a senior leader at a majcom of the Air Force,” Gurney said, crying and pausing several times as he read from a statement. “I am not a bad person. I made some bad decisions. I got caught up in a cycle of sin.”
He also talked about how his two daughters were leery of entering a grocery store because of fear of being recognized. The oldest daughter, just 15, is taunted at school because of her father's actions.
Gurney’s confinement was scheduled to begin Friday night, but his case isn’t over. The convening authority, 18th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, will review the sentence and have the final say. And Gurney’s dishonorable discharge and his prison term trigger an automatic appeal to the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C.
Gurney and lawyers for both sides declined to talk with reporters after sentencing. Air Force Materiel Command spokeswoman JoAnne Rumple released a statement on the case, but it did not say if commander Gen. Donald Hoffman has been following the case or he had any comment.
Michelle Lindo McCluer, the executive director of the National Institute Of Military Justice, said “A dishonorable discharge is the worst kind of punitive punishment you can give at a court-martial. I’ve seen that given to people convicted of rape and murder and occasionally desertion. To give it in a case like this? That’s definitely sending a message.”
Besides the dishonorable discharge, Gurney was demoted to airman basic and will be stripped of his $6,215.70 a month pay and allowances while incarcerated.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
NYC lawyer charged with groping employees
A prominent NYC lawyer was charged with 3rd degree sex abuse, forcible touching, and harassment after allegedly groping two female lawyers over the past year.
Last June, Dienst touched the breasts of a woman and tried to get her to touch his crotch, and on March 22, he allegedly lifted the shirt of another female lawyer and put his mouth on her exposed breast.
The seamy details were outlined in a criminal complaint, which described how Dienst preyed on his female colleagues at the Queller, Fisher, Dienst, Serrins, Washor & Kool law firm.
"I just want to see how great your t--s look," Dienst said when he grabbed one of the womens' breasts on March 21, the complaint charged. "I just want to feel how great your tits feel."
Dienst lifted up the woman's shirt and tried to "place his mouth on informant's breast, without permission or authority" and after she "asked the defendant to stop," the complaint said.
Unwilling to take no for an answer, Dienst "then placed his hand down the back of the informant's pants, placed informant's hand on his penis," according to the complaint.
Earlier, on June 22, 2007, Dienst "grabbed and stroked"" another female lawyer's breasts and lower back without permission.
Dienst, a founding partner of the Quelller, Fisher, Dienst, Serrins Washer & Kool law firm, has represented the Detectives Endowment Association as well as the unions representing sergeants and lieutenants, as well as top brass from captains to deputy chiefs.
Judge Dena Douglas filed orders of protection on behalf of both victims and adjuorned the case until August 5. His son is this prominent news reporter.
Last June, Dienst touched the breasts of a woman and tried to get her to touch his crotch, and on March 22, he allegedly lifted the shirt of another female lawyer and put his mouth on her exposed breast.
The seamy details were outlined in a criminal complaint, which described how Dienst preyed on his female colleagues at the Queller, Fisher, Dienst, Serrins, Washor & Kool law firm.
"I just want to see how great your t--s look," Dienst said when he grabbed one of the womens' breasts on March 21, the complaint charged. "I just want to feel how great your tits feel."
Dienst lifted up the woman's shirt and tried to "place his mouth on informant's breast, without permission or authority" and after she "asked the defendant to stop," the complaint said.
Unwilling to take no for an answer, Dienst "then placed his hand down the back of the informant's pants, placed informant's hand on his penis," according to the complaint.
Earlier, on June 22, 2007, Dienst "grabbed and stroked"" another female lawyer's breasts and lower back without permission.
Dienst, a founding partner of the Quelller, Fisher, Dienst, Serrins Washer & Kool law firm, has represented the Detectives Endowment Association as well as the unions representing sergeants and lieutenants, as well as top brass from captains to deputy chiefs.
Judge Dena Douglas filed orders of protection on behalf of both victims and adjuorned the case until August 5. His son is this prominent news reporter.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Sperm bank CEO faces sexual harassment lawsuit
Growing Generations, a high priced sperm bank which caters to the LGBT community, is facing allegations about inappropriate conduct by its CEO. CEO Stuart Miller is accused by former marketing director Scott Glasgow of firing Glasgow after he refused his boss’ sexual advances and requiring Glasgow to share a bed with Miller during company trips.
The lawsuit also claims that Miller sent Glasgow pictures of himself shirtless, wearing bondage attire and holding a whip, and forced Glasgow to perform in drag on a company trip.
Through his attorneys, Glasgow declined to elaborate. "We stand by the allegations contained in the complaint and we look forward to proving them at trial," said one of Glasgow's attorneys, Brent Pelton.
Growing Generations' lawyer did not immediately a message left at Miller's office, and a company consultant called the lawsuit ridiculous and declined further contact.
The LA based company, which charges as much as $100,000 for surrogacy services, began surrogacy services for men in 1994.
Glasgow, who made $1,000 a week as Growing Generations' New York-based marketing director, claims he excelled at the company until he refused to attend Landmark Education seminars and turned down Miller's unwanted advances.
"Miller's interest in Glasgow changed from one of a professional nature to one of an inappropriate romantic nature," the lawsuit says.
Miller booked a king sized bed for a company trip to New Orleans for both himself and Glasgow, and that he had stroked Glasgow’s head in bed.
Glasgow also said that employees were required to attend Landmark seminars, an offshoot of the est program that was popular in the 1970s.
He said that he was evaluated by how he was "touching, moving and inspiring" others, according to the Landmark philosophy, and not by his business accomplishments.
The lawsuit also claims that Miller sent Glasgow pictures of himself shirtless, wearing bondage attire and holding a whip, and forced Glasgow to perform in drag on a company trip.
Through his attorneys, Glasgow declined to elaborate. "We stand by the allegations contained in the complaint and we look forward to proving them at trial," said one of Glasgow's attorneys, Brent Pelton.
Growing Generations' lawyer did not immediately a message left at Miller's office, and a company consultant called the lawsuit ridiculous and declined further contact.
The LA based company, which charges as much as $100,000 for surrogacy services, began surrogacy services for men in 1994.
Glasgow, who made $1,000 a week as Growing Generations' New York-based marketing director, claims he excelled at the company until he refused to attend Landmark Education seminars and turned down Miller's unwanted advances.
"Miller's interest in Glasgow changed from one of a professional nature to one of an inappropriate romantic nature," the lawsuit says.
Miller booked a king sized bed for a company trip to New Orleans for both himself and Glasgow, and that he had stroked Glasgow’s head in bed.
Glasgow also said that employees were required to attend Landmark seminars, an offshoot of the est program that was popular in the 1970s.
He said that he was evaluated by how he was "touching, moving and inspiring" others, according to the Landmark philosophy, and not by his business accomplishments.
Indiana official sued over employer/husband's sexual abuse
The Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments on why Pleasant Township Trustee Camelia Clark should be held legally responsible for the sexual battery committed by her employee/husband Donald Clark. Camelia Clark was the trustee and Donald Clark was the deputy trustee.
He pleaded guilty to sexual and simple battery back in 2005 for incidents involving women seeking temporary financial assistance.
The former chairman of the Republican Party in Steuben County and the 4th District received a two-year prison sentence and has since been released.
Debra Barnett, one of the victims, sued in March 2005. According to court records, Donald Clark told her he would give her financial assistance if she worked at the trustee’s office. Then, while reviewing her work in a back room, he closed the door, pushed a chair in front of it and assaulted Barnett.
That suit also claimed that Donald Clark committed similar behavior against clients of the office in 1998 and 1999. At his sentencing, police testified they investigated seven cases involving Donald Clark and female township residents going back to 1979.
The Indiana Court of Appeals overturned the ruling in December 2007, finding that an employer can be liable for the criminal acts of an employee if the employee’s actions were at least for a time authorized.
The Indiana Supreme Court listened to arguments revolving the doctrine of “respondeat superior.” This makes employers liable for the criminal or negligent actions on their employees, regardless of knowledge if they were doing authorized acts.
Christopher Wheeler argued on behalf of the victim that Donald Clark was doing authorized acts during part of the time he was with Barnett – such as instructing her on filing, reviewing her work and seeking her signature on paperwork.
“This case is about whether or not my client should have the opportunity to bring her case to a jury,” he said.
But Robert Keen Jr., attorney for Camelia Clark, said the authorized acts aren’t closely related enough to the battery to allow them to use the narrow exception. For instance, he said a person injured by a bouncer – who is authorized to have physical contact with patrons – could sue the employer if injured.
Justice Frank Sullivan Jr., disturbed by the arguments before him, believed that employers should have to guard against employees taking sexual advantage of their clients.
“What concerns me most about this case is the vulnerability of an individual who is so down and out on her luck that she is seeking public assistance… and a public employee who takes advantage of that situation.” he said.
A ruling will occur in the coming months.
He pleaded guilty to sexual and simple battery back in 2005 for incidents involving women seeking temporary financial assistance.
The former chairman of the Republican Party in Steuben County and the 4th District received a two-year prison sentence and has since been released.
Debra Barnett, one of the victims, sued in March 2005. According to court records, Donald Clark told her he would give her financial assistance if she worked at the trustee’s office. Then, while reviewing her work in a back room, he closed the door, pushed a chair in front of it and assaulted Barnett.
That suit also claimed that Donald Clark committed similar behavior against clients of the office in 1998 and 1999. At his sentencing, police testified they investigated seven cases involving Donald Clark and female township residents going back to 1979.
The Indiana Court of Appeals overturned the ruling in December 2007, finding that an employer can be liable for the criminal acts of an employee if the employee’s actions were at least for a time authorized.
The Indiana Supreme Court listened to arguments revolving the doctrine of “respondeat superior.” This makes employers liable for the criminal or negligent actions on their employees, regardless of knowledge if they were doing authorized acts.
Christopher Wheeler argued on behalf of the victim that Donald Clark was doing authorized acts during part of the time he was with Barnett – such as instructing her on filing, reviewing her work and seeking her signature on paperwork.
“This case is about whether or not my client should have the opportunity to bring her case to a jury,” he said.
But Robert Keen Jr., attorney for Camelia Clark, said the authorized acts aren’t closely related enough to the battery to allow them to use the narrow exception. For instance, he said a person injured by a bouncer – who is authorized to have physical contact with patrons – could sue the employer if injured.
Justice Frank Sullivan Jr., disturbed by the arguments before him, believed that employers should have to guard against employees taking sexual advantage of their clients.
“What concerns me most about this case is the vulnerability of an individual who is so down and out on her luck that she is seeking public assistance… and a public employee who takes advantage of that situation.” he said.
A ruling will occur in the coming months.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Manager sentenced after pleading guilty to attempted rape of employee
Ronaldo Duarte, 36, was sentenced to consecutive terms of 2 1/2 to 5 years in prison and 5 years probation for the attempted rape of his employee at a suburban Philadelphia restaurant. The victim was a 21 year old college student.
Duarte made sexual advances to his employee outside the restaurant, which she refused. The victim went outside for a break, and Duarte followed her. He tried to rip her clothes off to rape her, and she fought back. She went to the police that night and was examined at a hospital.
When confronted by police, court records say, Duarte confessed. Standing next to his attorney, Mel Kardos, Duarte apologized to the victim in court Friday.
“I feel so bad. I will regret it for the rest of my life,” he said.
The victim told the judge that she still suffers from nightmares and anxiety, and that her grades have dropped since the attack.
“I will never forget what happened to me. It's unfortunate that he will never understand that,” she said. “I just hope that since I found the strength to stand up to Ronaldo, that it will protect others.”
Duarte was ordered to sign Pennsylvania's Sex Offender Registry for the next decade, get sex offender treatment, and have no contact with the victim. The presiding judge praised the victim for fighting back against her attacker.
“I have been impressed by your strength throughout this case,” Judge Albert Cepparulo told the woman. “You stood up to him then, and you stood up now.”
Duarte pled no contest, which is the same as a guilty plea for all purposes except civil lawsuits.
Duarte made sexual advances to his employee outside the restaurant, which she refused. The victim went outside for a break, and Duarte followed her. He tried to rip her clothes off to rape her, and she fought back. She went to the police that night and was examined at a hospital.
When confronted by police, court records say, Duarte confessed. Standing next to his attorney, Mel Kardos, Duarte apologized to the victim in court Friday.
“I feel so bad. I will regret it for the rest of my life,” he said.
The victim told the judge that she still suffers from nightmares and anxiety, and that her grades have dropped since the attack.
“I will never forget what happened to me. It's unfortunate that he will never understand that,” she said. “I just hope that since I found the strength to stand up to Ronaldo, that it will protect others.”
Duarte was ordered to sign Pennsylvania's Sex Offender Registry for the next decade, get sex offender treatment, and have no contact with the victim. The presiding judge praised the victim for fighting back against her attacker.
“I have been impressed by your strength throughout this case,” Judge Albert Cepparulo told the woman. “You stood up to him then, and you stood up now.”
Duarte pled no contest, which is the same as a guilty plea for all purposes except civil lawsuits.
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