Former employee sues Freightliner

A Cherokee County resident has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Freightliner LLC, Freightliner manager Mike Tolbert, and First Staffing Inc.

In the suit filed at the Cherokee County Courthouse on Oct. 30, Laura B. Steagall, a former Freightliner employee, alleges sexual harassment that resulted in a hostile work environment. The suit alleges assault and battery by defendant Tolbert and claims Freightliner exercised negligent supervision and retention.

Tolbert is currently a Mecklenburg County (N.C.) resident. He was a human resources manager at Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) in Gaffney when Steagall worked there.

Current FCCC human resources manager Mark Dolan referred any questions about Steagall's lawsuit to the corporate office in Portland, Oregon. Freightliner corporate spokesperson Kim Jarmer in Portland said she had not seen a copy of the lawsuit and could not comment.

Steagall claims in her lawsuit that Tolbert used vulgar and offensive language towards her that included being asked for sexual favors over the past year. The suit claims Tolbert engaged in nonconsensual touching of Steagall with his hands, lips and tongue on various parts of her body.

The lawsuit claims Tolbert made inquiries concerning Steagall's personal life and made sexual advances towards Steagall. The complaint further claims that Tolbert retaliated against Steagall when she refused his advances.

Steagall has requested a jury trial. She is seeking undisclosed damages for lost wages, physical and mental pain, emotional harm, humiliation and emotional distress.

The suit claims Steagall complained to Freightliner on several occasions about the alleged sexual harassment. The suit contends that Freightliner and First Staffing did not take steps to prevent the harassment by Tolbert after the incidents were reported to the companies.

The lawsuit claims Tolbert's conduct made Steagall's work conditions so intolerable that she was forced to quit her job at Freightliner when she would not submit to his advances.

The lawsuit alleges, "On more than one occasion, defendant, Tolbert, made plaintiff aware that, and/or feel that, she was expected to endure wrongful conduct in order to keep her job."

The suit claims Tolbert continued his sexual harassment of Steagall several months after Steagall had resigned. She claims Tolbert visited her home on one occasion after she was no longer employed by the company.

Spartanburg attorney Patrick Knie, who is representing Steagall, refused to comment.