FORT SMITH — A sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against the Sebastian County circuit clerk by a deputy clerk and two former deputy clerks.
The federal lawsuit claims Circuit Clerk Ken Blevins created a hostile work environment and retaliated against employees who complained about his behavior.
Blevins told the Southwest Times Record that he is the one being harassed.
The lawsuit was filed Friday by former deputy clerks Tyanna Caldwell and Lynsey Shockley and deputy clerk Jean Austin.
The lawsuit says Blevins subjected the women to “unwelcome touching,” commented about their bodies and suggested the office should have a “bikini Friday” instead of a casual-dress day on Fridays.
Caldwell said she was fired for seeking a hearing in May in which the county’s Grievance Committee found that Blevins sexually harassed employees. Shockley said she left the clerk’s office because of the work environment, while Austin said she was moved to a different job after supporting Caldwell.
County Judge David Hudson filed an order Thursday directing Blevins to reinstate Caldwell and former deputy clerk Cassie Vega, which Blevins, an elected official, said he “will choose to ignore.”
Vega has claimed that she was fired, along with Caldwell, in retaliation for her testimony during the May grievance hearing.