Page One

A former Solid Waste Management intern filed a civil suit against the city Tuesday alleging she was sexually battered by a department manager and that her supervisors did nothing to stop the harassment. 

The suit, filed in the Alameda Superior Court, alleges that last Feb. 14, Transportation Manager Louie Rodrigues masturbated in the presence of intern Fleece Crump while offering her $40 if she would watch him.  

Other allegations against Rodrigues and the city include intentional infliction of emotional distress and assault and battery. 

The suit also alleges Crump complained to her immediate supervisor, Earl Pryor, but no action was taken against Rodrigues. Shortly after she complained, the suit alleges Rodrigues offered Crump $10,000 to say the event never happened.  

The suit also claims that Rodrigues  

“on numerous occasions grabbed Ms. Crump’s hand and attempted to force her to touch his crouch.” And that a group of male  

co-workers participated in a betting pool as to whom would be the first to have sex with her.  

Crump was so upset by the harassment that she became physically ill, requires therapy and has “developed insomnia and poor eating habits,” according to the suit. 

Grump is suing the city for an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. 

The suit was filed by Crump’s attorney, John Harrison , of Harrison, Taylor and Bazile. Harrison is not commenting on the case. 

Likewise, Department of Public Works officials and City Attorney Manuela Albuquerque are not commenting on the allegations. Albuquerque’s office would only say that the city has not been served with the law suit yet.