July 31--A former Lewiston police dispatcher filed a tort claim against the city alleging a city police officer tried to have sex with her at a party and she has since undergone harassment, discrimination and disparaging treatment from the city.
Melissa Taylor, a city employee for almost 18 years, from March 1994 until February, said she was eventually forced to resign and find other employment.
The claim names Officer Richard Fuentes, who is the subject of a decertification recommendation working its way through an Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training hearing process.
A hearing officer recommended Fuentes be decertified for violation of the Idaho Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and Conduct for engaging in sexual activity in a public place while intoxicated. If that recommendation is upheld, it would end his law enforcement career.
The recommendation is, however, being appealed, and the POST board, which includes high-ranking state officials, is expected to make a final decision in October.
Taylor's claim says that at a Halloween party in 2010, Fuentes attempted to have sex with her against her will and was stopped by another officer. The claim alleges Fuentes engaged in unwanted conduct with other city employees during the party.
"The department knew, or should have known, of this conduct and failed to take action to protect the interest of Ms. Taylor," the claim says. Instead, the lack of action resulted in extreme emotional distress and degradation and was a violation of her rights under Idaho and U.S. constitutions, it says.
The claim says the amount of damages is not known and are continuing, and will be in excess of $50,000.
The claim was filed Friday with the city. It has been referred to the city's insurance company, City Clerk Kari Ravencroft said.
Taylor is represented by Lewiston attorney Scott Chapman.
The Tribune does not typically name the alleged victims of sexual assault, but does name the parties in a civil complaint.
Lee may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 848-2266.
Copyright 2012 - Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
