Facts

Cheri Nelson sued County of Los Angeles and Gilbert Montejo, in connection with her employment at the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center, a hospital operated by the county.

This case is one of four cases that involved sexual harassment by Montejo.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff worked as an ultrasound technician at the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center under defendant Montejo's supervision. Plaintiff began working at the medical center in 2007. Plaintiff claimed Montejo would call her into his office where he would sexually harass her, while telling her not to tell anyone what went on in his office because he would get into trouble. Plaintiff alleged that Montejo subjected her to unwanted touching and comments that were sexual in nature, including hugging and kissing. Plaintiff alleged that Montejo's offensive conduct resulted in a hostile working environment.

On June 6, 2013, plaintiff told one of her co-workers that Montejo had harassed her the previous day, and the co-worker made an anonymous call to report the harassment. An investigation began and complaints by other ultrasound technicians became known.

Plaintiff filed causes of action for sexual harassment/discrimination and failure to prevent sexual harassment.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
The county denied plaintiff's allegations, and asserted various affirmative defenses.

Result

The parties reached a $70,000 settlement.