Lawsuit Filed: Former Police Officer Sues City of Willits and Willits Police Department for Gender/Sexual Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation
As reported by Ukiah Daily Journal, McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP filed a lawsuit against the City of Willits and Willits Police Department (WPD) for gender/sexual discrimination, harassment and retaliation on behalf of former police officer, Natalie Higley. The suit also alleges the Plaintiff was harassed and discriminated against because of a medical condition.
Shortly after Higley entered the Police Academy, WPD Lieutenant Derek Hendry made sexually inappropriate and suggestive comments to her, which occurred on numerous occasions. He also made fun of Higley’s body by calling her fat, telling her to lose weight and giving her the nickname “McHigley.” Other hostile conduct included blocking doorways with his body when Higley tried to enter, sticking fingers in her food and yelling disparaging comments at her. Hendry did not engage in similar conduct with any of the male officers.
In July of 2021, Higley received a biopsy for a mole on her shoulder and after informing Hendry of the procedure, he dug his thumb into the area of the biopsy and told her it was “fine.” Three weeks later, Higley was diagnosed with skin cancer and was placed on light duty status. Once again, Hendry made fun of Higley and told her the skin cancer was “not a big deal.”
In October 2021, Higley made a formal complaint to Chief Fabian Lizaraga about the ongoing harassment and hostile working environment. The following day, she was placed on medical and stress leave by her physician. Hendry was then placed on administrative leave and began repeatedly calling and texting Higley.
Higley engaged in protected activity and complained to the Defendants and outside agencies about the continued harassment. On January 4, 2023, Chief Lizaraga told Higley to turn in her badge, gun, police I.D., and Department-issued phone and radio, among other things. Higley’s photo in WPD uniform (the only female officer at the time) was also removed from the police department wall. Chief Lizaraga effectively stripped Higley of any police powers in retaliation for engaging in protected activity.
Read the Ukiah Daily Journal article here.
With more than 25 years’ experience as a trial lawyer, Partner Patrick McNicholas exclusively represents victims in personal injury, product liability, sexual assault and other consumer-oriented matters, such as civil rights, aviation disasters and class actions. Learn more about his professional background here.